Below is an update concerning food security in Haiti.  First though, I read  an interesting article in the Miami Herald about the critical role of coordination in Haiti relief efforts.  In fact, it notes that an uncoordinated flow of aid can cause harm, particular in a setting like Haiti where food is plentiful on store shelves but most people can't afford it because of high unemployment and global price hikes.  The best way to help Haiti right now is to contribute to both the organizations that can make a difference now and those that can help Haiti become self-reliant over the long-term.

In response to queries from readers, the first "How Can I Help" blog was devoted to volunteering.  With increasing food insecurity in Haiti, we have received many inquiries from caring people who want to do their part to improve the situation.  Many have offered to hold food drives - but Haiti is in this situation because it does not grow enough food and has depended on importation for far too long.  Your support will go farther if, instead of sending food, you make a contribution to an organization that is already on the ground in Haiti.  Below are organizations that are fighting hunger in Haiti and are reputable and effective.  With your support, they can reach more people.

Josette Sheeran, the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), spoke this week at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on “The Silent Tsunami" of hunger that threatens to push 100,000,000 more individuals into extreme poverty.  You can imagine that Haiti came up several times during her presentation.  Haitians are resilient people but soaring costs of food prices (and the subsequent increase in percentage of household income spent on food) is pushing people to their limits.  As Ms. Sheeran noted, “The difference between civilization and anarchy is seven meals.”   Hunger is a global problem and we do not have the option of not responding.

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