Kaitlyn K

About this year's World Vision Challenge

Did you know that 1 in 6 kids in the Pacific region are living in severe food poverty?

UNICEF defines severe child food poverty as children who consume, at most, two of eight defined food groups -- those groups being breastmilk, grains, seeds and nuts, dairy, meats, eggs, vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables, and other fruits and vegetables. For reference, children need to consume at least 5 of these groups in order to meet the minimum dietary diversity for healthy growth and development.

A typical diet for these children might include a bit of rice or maize and some milk. Less than 10% regularly eat fruit and vegetables, while under 5% have access to critical sources of protein and nutrients, like eggs, meat, or fish.

This type of deprivation leaves children up to 50% more likely to suffer from a life threatening form of malnutrition that can irreversibly stunt their physical growth and brain development. This is appalling. Can you imagine, being in this situation with next to no way to get rid of your hunger?

And climate change is not helping this issue. Rising sea levels means that community gardens are flooding, crops are being killed, and fishing has gotten much harder. Important sources of food are being lost from the mouths of an already hungry people.

That's why this year, World Vision is raising funds to help families farm climate-smart crops and plant mangroves so they can feed their children in our changing climate.

But you can make a difference. Every little bit contributes towards a better future. So please, donate what you can to help kids in the Pacific get enough food to grow up healthy and thriving. 

Scroll down the page to see my updates before, after, and throughout the upcoming 40 Hour Challenge, which will be from 13-15 June 2025.