Programs : FEEDing Program - Fostering Education, Encouragement and Diet

The FEEDing Program fosters change in impoverished families and communities through education, encouragement and diet. United Nations sanctioned health care education and basic Christian living courses are taught in selected impoverished communities. Hosted by the partnering church, these classes provide encouragement to recipients with a sustained network of emotional, social and spiritual support. Additionally, the diet of the 25 neediest families identified in the poor community is supplemented with four kg of rice each week for six months. This program is a gateway for ICM’s education, medical and livelihood programs. The FEEDing Program leads to an increased level of hope and dignity for recipients, increasing their capacity to effectively fight against poverty.

Highlights of the FEEDing Program in 2007/08 include:

• Number of communities served: 118
• Number of families who received 4 kg of rice each week: 3068
• Amount of rice distributed: 322,515 kg

“Thank you for the groceries that help us in our daily needs. Everything has changed in my family because before we were full of problems and it was really hard for us. But for now the blessings of God are always coming to us unexpected. We are changed through the teaching and the help.”
Victoria Astacaan – recipient, Bohol

Pilot Microfinance Program

In June of 2008, ICM began a new microfinance program in partnership with the Center for Community Transformation (CCT). ICM recipients who complete the six month FEEDing Program will be trained by CCT in small business skills such as financial responsibility, budgeting and the importance of saving. As participants demonstrate ability, they will receive micro loans to start new businesses. Pilot programs in a few communities are being tested in 2008/09 and hopefully by 2009/10 ICM will be able to implement this new program on a large scale.