Gift a Meal Campaign: Filling Plates in Buffalo and the DRC

A poster held by the GUAOA orphans. Translation: "Thank you very much to all the donors of ICA for the food provided to the orphaned children of GUAOA."

In December, we officially launched our Gift a Meal campaign to help address food insecurity affecting children in Buffalo, NY, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The campaign was created to provide consistent, nutritious meals for children who often face uncertainty around where their next meal will come from, especially during the holiday season.

We introduced Gift a Meal because access to food is a basic need that directly impacts a child’s ability to learn, stay healthy, and feel supported. In Buffalo, many families are working hard to meet daily needs amid rising costs, while in the DRC, limited resources mean children may go days with minimal food. This campaign allowed supporters to give in a way that had a clear, tangible outcome: meals on the table for children who need it most.

Gift a Meal also reflects our broader mission to empower underserved children in Buffalo and the DRC by addressing immediate needs while supporting long-term stability. Ensuring children are nourished is a critical step in creating the conditions they need to grow, succeed, and feel cared for.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, we are happy to share that the campaign raised $1,005 in total. Support for this effort is still ongoing, and donations can continue to be made at this link.