A Look into the First "Feed-a-Family" Delivery

A week ahead of schedule, MdC’s Feed-A-Family program is up and running. As of 6/7/2020, MdC has provided food to prepare 8,000+ meals to families in need.

Executive Director Francisco Ortega heads up the program that utilizes local family-owned stores to provide healthy groceries to some of the most vulnerable families in Northern Mexico.

Francisco provides an inside look into the first round of 34 families served by the program. Milk, eggs, meat, fruits/vegetables, oil and dry goods were all part of their grocery delivery. We will continue to support these same families and more until this COVID crisis ends.

Located just outside of the city of San Luis Rio Colorado is a community of farmworkers. Many are refugees that have come from Southern Mexico, having fled areas with high levels of violence and poverty.

The workers earn between $40-$45 per week and most have few skills and very little education.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, many are out of work, have reduced work options, and are struggling more than usual to make ends meet.

Most of the kids do not go to school and instead they work in the fields to help support their family. This girl is only 14-years-old and she has been working in the fields for many years to help support her disabled mother. The closest school is the next town and many can’t afford the cost of the uniform and supplies to be able to attend.

Poverty will continue into the next generation unless these children can be educated and provided opportunities to learn.

This is a very common “kitchen” in this community of farmworkers.

Their houses are built out of random materials of cardboard and wood scraps. The floors are dirt, there is no running water and the minimal electricity is usually run through the house by an extension cord. Few have smartphones and what they do have often only receives calls. They don’t have internet or computers, but most have at least a tube TV and a satellite dish, which is their only connection to the world.

Healthcare is not absolute for this community. Although by law, all Mexican workers are entitled to health insurance, not all get it. Only about 40% are covered and the plan they have is not very good.

On our next visit to this community, we will inquire about prenatal care.