Without a steady supply of it, our brains and bodies can’t get the nutrients they need to function properly. Yet many people in developing countries continue to suffer from a basic lack of protein and energy. A lack of vitamin A can lead to eyesight issues, including permanent blindness. When a pregnant woman doesn’t get enough iodine, her child has a higher chance of being born with brain damage.

Hunger not only delays physical, emotional and cognitive development, but also hinders a child’s ability to focus in school or attend altogether. Those who do make it to class tend to perform poorly academically and are frequently held back.

For the 821 million people who aren’t getting the food they need, hunger is an everyday problem that affects every aspect of life.

When it comes to nutrition, the first 1,000 days are the most critical in a child’s life. Healthy food fuels growing minds and thriving communities. That’s why our international development model, WE Villages, doesn’t just provide temporary food aid—it helps to equip farmers with the resources to feed their families.

There are a number of ways we can help communities achieve long-term health and access to stable food sources, including helping to set up school gardens, introducing new farming techniques and partnering on irrigation projects.

Give families the ingredients for a brighter future by fundraising for WE Villages.