
Kellogg Foundation Commits $90 Million to Haitian Advancement Efforts
- foodfightadmin
- October 20, 2023
- Food As Medicine, Global Hunger
- rsc pages
- 0 Comments
The “Pockets of Hope” initiative seeks to counteract the downturn in donations to the war torn country.
In New York, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation has announced an new endeavor titled “Pockets of Hope,” aiming to reinvigorate humanitarian contributions to Haiti, which have significantly waned following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. With an initial pledge of $30 million to be disbursed over the next three years, the foundation is dedicating $90 million to this campaign. The effort is designed to bolster local initiatives that enhance education, healthcare, and economic development across Haitian communities, as outlined by La June Montgomery Tabron, President and CEO of the foundation. Amidst the rise of gang related violence in the nation, the foundation maintains its commitment to supporting Haitian communities and encourages other philanthropic entities to follow suit.
La June Montgomery Tabron, President and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, has articulated a vital component of their “Pockets of Hope” initiative – to enlighten and engage other philanthropic organizations about the vibrant yet little known network of operational ecosystems within Haiti. Montgomery Tabron emphasizes the foundation’s strategy to act as a bridge, connecting donors to grassroots organizations within Haiti where their contributions can have the most significant impact.
In a show of solidarity and support for this cause, “Pockets of Hope” has successfully garnered an additional $20 million in pledges over the last month from notable contributors including the Digicel Foundation, the Dunn Family Charitable Foundation, and Porticus, a philanthropic organization based in Amsterdam.
Adding a powerful voice to the initiative, actress Garcelle Beauvais, a Haitian emigrant herself, spoke with The Associated Press expressing her heartfelt endorsement of “Pockets of Hope.” Beauvais aims to send a clear message to the Haitian people through her support: they are not forgotten by the international community. Her involvement underlines the campaign’s international appeal and the shared commitment to uplifting the nation through these strategic philanthropic efforts.
In a recent statement, Garcelle Beauvais, acclaimed for her roles in “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and “The Real Murders of Los Angeles,” passionately underscored the critical need for ongoing support for Haiti, especially during its most challenging times. “It’s essential for the Haitian community to recognize there’s a global network advocating for their well-being,” Beauvais remarked. “Despair is not a signal to withdraw aid but a call to action, a plea for engagement.”
The United Nations reports a concerning statistic: armed factions now dominate over 80% of the Port-au-Prince metro area, imposing a suffocating grip on essential services like food and healthcare. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, upon his visit to Haiti in July, painted a harrowing picture, describing the situation as a “living nightmare” for citizens ensnared in the chaos.
Haiti’s tribulations persist as it continues to reel from the catastrophic 2010 earthquake, which, as reported by Haitian authorities, claimed over 300,000 lives. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has invested upwards of $2 billion in recovery initiatives. Yet, a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office reveals a sobering reality: numerous USAID projects are experiencing setbacks or have been diminished in scope, with only a fraction of pivotal initiatives reaching completion.
La June Montgomery Tabron, President and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, advocates for a unique strategy that has proven effective in Haiti’s challenging context — investing in Haitian led community programs focusing on health, education, and economic growth. According to Montgomery Tabron, the foundation’s sustained, grassroots level engagement has cultivated a sense of trust with local collectives. It is this very network that the foundation’s “Pockets of Hope” campaign aims to empower through its fresh infusion of funds.
La June Montgomery Tabron has emphasized the foundation’s long term dedication to Haiti, bolstered by its on the ground presence and staff from within the local community. “Our commitment to Haiti is deep-rooted and long-standing,” she asserts. “Our initiatives are designed for lasting impact, recognizing that genuine transformation is achieved through persistent effort and a profound understanding of the local landscape.”
Echoing the foundation’s devotion, actress Garcelle Beauvais voices her aspiration for a brighter Haitian future, one that reflects the vibrant spirit and resilience she holds dear from her own memories of her homeland. “The soul of Haiti is reflected in its people — their grace, their resilience,” Beauvais remarked. “Witnessing the radiant smiles of Haitian children inspires a desire to provide them with fundamental needs: nourishment, education, and healthcare. It’s a heartfelt mission, ensuring that the inherent rights we often take for granted are made accessible to them. Their well-being is a cause worthy of global attention and action.”