Feeding the children or feeding the family?

This is the question I brought to the attention of the board members of the Catanihan Foundation, Incorporated (CFI) in which I serve as chairman.

Our CFI, perhaps the oldest charitable foundation in Davao City, has been giving a specially prepared lunch to 90 undernourished pupils in Grade 1 in Catalunan Grande public school. This is done from Monday to Friday.

Watching the children enjoy their meal with gusto makes you very happy. But not all the time. There are several kids who do not eat everything on the plate. When asked why, they would say, “I bring this food home for my brother/ sister who do not have breakfast today.” This breaks my heart!

Our board has yet to discuss the possibility for our CFI to feed the entire family.

The Holy Family of Nazareth had only one child to feed. Perhaps Joseph’s carpentry job could earn just enough money to buy food for Mary and Jesus. One initial idea is for our board members to have a strong devotion to the Holy Family. This will be my responsibility. I welcome ideas and suggestions from Shalom readers on how to proceed.