Dear john, 

When we first met Jesse, she was very shy, timid and quiet. Short for her age, 5, she was pale, chronically malnourished and anemic. But it was also clear that she was smart and a quick learner. 

Jesse lives in Rio Mena, a rural community in Nicaragua bordering Costa Rica. Many in Jesse’s community travel across the border on foot to find work. There is no running water in Rio Mena, so people walk to the nearest rivers to bathe and wash their clothes. Jesse’s mother cares for her and her sister while her father works as a farmer to support the family. They struggled to make ends meet. 

Things started to change three years ago when Jesse and her family started receiving nutritious Rise Against Hunger meals through a nearby feeding program. Steadily, color came back to Jesse’s cheeks, and her energy level rose!

Today, Jesse’s mom rejoices. She shares, “Before, Jesse couldn’t even eat because she was so sick. Today, she is a beautiful, happy girl who is healthy and loves to play, crochet, sing and attend school. Our house is full of joy.”

Jesse now has the strength she needs to make the journey to her school each day and excel in the classroom. Gaining an education will be critical for Jesse to rise and break the cycle of poverty.

In a chaotic world, during a chaotic year, it’s easy to forget little girls like Jesse all over the globe whose futures are changing each day thanks to the generosity of Hunger Champions like you. But we won’t forget Jesse’s face, and we know you won’t, either.  

Will you donate now to give children like Jesse in countries across the world the same opportunity to shine in their own communities? A nutritious lunch may seem simple, but means so much.

Please give now.

Gratefully,