Meals for Millions/Freedom from Hunger Foundation matching grant, PDC-0261-A-00-5071-00, 1985-1988 : final report

MFM was quite successful in meeting the ambitious objectives set over the life of the project. The programs in Ecuador, Kenya, and Thailand are being replicated in other areas of the country, while the Honduras and Sierra Leone programs have expanded into surrounding communities. The Nepal program is firmly established and moving ahead. Expansion into new countries was slower than anticipated as it became clear that some of the countries explored were not fertile ground for an MFM Applied Nutrition Program (ANP). The Foundation did add four new international programs. Every new program began with a baseline survey, and needs assessments were part of each new ANP project"s planning stage. Training was an integral part of every ANP. Staff received orientation and training in the ANP process, along with other specialized training. Hundreds of community members also benefitted from food and nutrition training sessions covering topics such as the causes of malnutrition, oral rehydration therapy, food preparation, and gardening. They are also participating in thousands of small development projects involving: raising animals; growing grains, fruits, and vegetables; and using latrines, slow sand water filters, and hand pumps. Each ANP has established close working relationships with local government and nongovernmental agencies. Full institutionalization of the ANP"s in Antigua, Ecuador, Honduras, and Thailand has proceeded more slowly than anticipated. This is a complex process that MFM is learning by doing. MFM identified four approaches that the ANP"s are currently pursuing based on local needs and circumstances. Recent evaluations have taught MFM three important lessons about the role the Foundation should play. Management reorganization at headquarters has responded to the increased need for more sophisticated analysis of program activities. Program staff are now divided into two units: International Program Operations, and Program Analysis and Evaluation. A more through and sophisticated evaluations system is now in place. The MFM fundraising program achieved steady growth during the grant period, moving from $2.5 million in 1984 to over $3.5 million in 1987. The Foundation, surpassing its fundraising targets in two of the three years (1985 and 1986), was driven largely by the challenge of matching A.I.D. funds with private money. Revenue growth came also as a result of a determination to adhere to projections adapted in the Five Year Plan 1984-1988, calling for a 23% average increase in income to support additional and expanded ANP"s. (Author abstract)