Food For The Poor is the largest international relief and development organization in the United States, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Founded in 1982, the interdenominational Christian ministry serves the poorest of the poor in 17 countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. Thanks to its faithful donors, the organization’s programs are providing housing, healthcare, education, fresh water, emergency relief and micro-enterprise assistance in addition to feeding hundreds of thousands of people each day.
Since its inception in 1982, Food For The Poor has provided in excess of $10 billion in aid (more than half of which was provided in the last five years) and has built more than 84,000 housing units for the destitute. In 2012, Food For The Poor constructed 6,805 housing units for families in need of adequate shelter. Total fundraising and administrative costs in 2012 comprised less than 5% of our expenses. More than 95% of all donations go directly to programs that help the poor.
In a 2012 survey of the 200 largest U.S. charities, Forbes magazine rated Food For The Poor the sixth-largest recipient of private support. With a charitable commitment ratio of 96%, and a fundraising efficiency of 97%, Food For The Poor received the highest possible ratings from industry observers such as Ministry Watch, and is also proud to meet the extensive standards of America’s most experienced charity evaluator, the Better Business Bureau.