World Poverty Day

A Call to Action

World Poverty Day, formally known as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, is held annually on October 17. It is an international day to raise awareness about the need to end global poverty in all its forms everywhere.

World Poverty Day was first observed on October 17, 1987, as the World Day for Overcoming Extreme Poverty. Five years later the United Nations (UN) General Assembly declared poverty a violation of human rights and affirmed the need to deliberately work toward respecting the rights of the poor and reducing poverty rates worldwide.

"Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty." — Father Joseph Wresinski

World Poverty Day aims to promote dialogue and understanding among people below the poverty line, the communities they live in and in the world community at large. It provides an opportunity to acknowledge the struggles of poor people and gives them a platform and audience to have their issues, needs and concerns heard.

Extreme Poverty and COVID-19

COVID-19 is reversing decades of progress made in the fight against destitution in low- and middle-income countries* around the world.

Malnutrition, starvation and chronic health issues are a serious and potentially life-threatening reality for children living in poverty, and food security has become a more severe risk for the poor.

The World Food Program estimates that 265 million people will soon be on the brink of starvation because of the novel coronavirus.

The lack of employment during the pandemic makes it difficult or impossible to purchase food, and as the global supply chain breaks down, many communities experience shortages in their food supply. The poor are hardest hit when this happens, and when food is available, the costs are rising — heightening the struggle as employment and income sources are drying up.

COVID-19 is no longer just a global health crisis; it is an economic and food security emergency for hundreds of millions of people living in extreme poverty around the world.

How We Help With Food Security

We work with thousands of local church partners in some of the world's poorest countries to meet the needs of the poorest of the poor when they’re most vulnerable.

Research has shown that children who suffer from illness and malnutrition may not reach their full physical and mental potential. In addition, health is closely linked with economic and social development as sick children are less likely than healthy children to become productive adults who can contribute to the economic well-being of their family, community and country.

When children do not have enough food to eat, or the food available to them lacks necessary nutrients, malnutrition, starvation and chronic health issues become a serious and potentially life-threatening reality. Good health and the way children are nurtured through childhood, youth and into adulthood affects their well-being their entire lives.

Compassion's Food Security Initiatives during COVID-19 help address life-threatening hunger needs, while also providing preventive care to support long-term health and wellness. This includes:

• Food kits that include essentials like rice, eggs, meat, milk, corn, and other nonperishable dry goods
• Medical therapeutic feeding for babies, children, or youth, caregivers and siblings
• Nutrition assistance for pregnant mothers and infants
• Preventive and income-generating activities that help address food insecurity

Donate today to help address life-threatening hunger needs caused by COVID-19.