All the coverage of the famine in the Horn of Africa has led many to wonder what they can possibly do in the face of such heartbreaking disaster. A hundred and fifty thousand people in and around Mogadishu, Somalia alone are seeking refuge. The news—especially the bad news—has the tendency to overwhelm us. But the XANGO Meal Pack program is offering a simple, actionable plan.

We recently sent our first shipment in a series that will deliver more than a quarter of a million meals to Mogadishu, feeding 8,568 people for a month. Meal Pack porridge contains calories and essential vitamins for those suffering from malnutrition, hunger and illness, allowing their bodies can begin to recover or in some cases even prepare to digest more complex foods.

Many wonder what becomes of their Meal Pack after they donate it. Is it dropped out of an airplane? Is it shipped to a warehouse? Do people who need it know how to use it?

XANGO’s partner, AmeriCares, and associated nonprofit relief organizations send representatives with the Meal Pack shipments to take care of all the details. This is happening in Mogadishu. While they meet Meal Pack recipients one-on-one, health educators—

• show them how to mix up the porridge with boiled, potable water.
• train mothers on principles of nutrition and childhood development.
• hand out ration cards to keep track of the distribution of meals.
• record each child’s weight and mid-upper arm measurements to track healthy growth.

And the kids get to sit down to porridge while mom receives training and her allotment of Meal Pack.

It’s because of tens of thousands of donating Distributors that XANGO can offer this most basic form of service to children and families in need. Our most heartfelt thanks for reaching outside yourselves and making the world a happier, healthier place.