This week’s abrupt termination of Catholic Relief Services' (CRS) McGovern-Dole Food for Education school feeding programs will deprive school-age children of their only reliable meal each day. Beginning in July, more than 780,000 children across 11 countries will be left without their school meal, as 11 out of CRS’ 13 projects have been terminated—deepening the crises of hunger, malnutrition and poverty that already threaten their ability to learn, grow and thrive.

“This decision isn’t just a policy shift—it’s a life-altering blow to hundreds of thousands of children who rely on these meals to stay healthy, stay in school and stay hopeful about their future,” said Sean Callahan, CRS’ President and CEO. 

“Having just returned from Honduras, where I saw one of the programs in action, I can confidently say its success is undeniable. I witnessed firsthand the remarkable contributions of the community and local government. I spoke with young children who endure nearly two-hour walks to school each day—driven by the hope of receiving both a meal and an education. It is un-American to stand by and not provide assistance while hunger robs children of their chance to learn and thrive.”