A rising phenomenon in much of the world today, and a critical one in the
poorer countries, is a dramatic and sudden rise in the price of food.
For the millions of families who live on the edge of having enough to eat
or not, this is a true disaster.

While we need to address the reasons behind the crisis -- which can, as
usual, be traced to economic policies in the rich countries -- it is also
important to do what we can to ease the pain for those who suffer hunger -
hourly, daily, weekly. Here is a note from an organization that I know
well in Haiti, the first of its kind that they have sent out, with some
details of the effects of this global event on local folks there, and a
request for help.

Mary Anne

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 17:09:23 -0400
From: E. Marilyn Lowney <marilyn@...>
Subject: Haitian Health Foundation -- food crisis in Haiti

Dear Friends of The Haitian Health Foundation,

This is our first emergency email.

You may have heard or read recently about the impending famine in Haiti.

The situation is also dire in Jeremie, where the Haitian Health Foundation
provides for over 200,000 people.

The cost of food has increased almost 100% since March 2008.A 55 pound sack
of rice, a staple in the Haitian diet, has increased from $18.83 to $29.87
in just 2 weeks - a chicken that cost $3.90 last month is now $8!

Many of the 105 mountain villages under the HHF "umbrella of care" have lost
their crops corn, beans, bread, fruit due to constant rains and
extraordinary winds.

This is unquestionably a crisis.

HHF is responding with food in our storehouse - we have delivered truckloads
of tuna in cans, peanut butter, and soy foods to the most desperate
villages.

Our supplies are limited and there doesn't appear to be an end - the needs
increase.

Some of these villages have nearly a 100% malnutrition rate.

Children and the elderly are eating "mud cookies" made of dirt and cooking
oil to ease the constant pangs of hunger
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22902512/.

We are attempting to buy corn, beans and rice to make Akamil at our 3
production mills, but the costs are scandalous and prohibitive.

The poor of southern Haiti need your financial help at this time.

Consider this an emergency appeal for your assistance.. Please send a check
to:

HHF Emergency Food Fund
97 Sherman Street
Norwich, CT 06360

Or donate online through our website - www.haitianhealthfoundation.org

Thank you so much for your support of our work in Haiti.

With appreciation,

Jerry and Marilyn Lowney

Haitian Health Foundation

PS - If you prefer NOT to be on this e-mailing list, or I have sent this in
error, please respond with a note.

PPS - And, to our HHF Ambassadors - please feel free to forward this to
anyone you think would be interested in helping the poor of Haiti. On their
behalf, "merci".