Heifer Obtains 5,000th Certification

Heifer International, a global nonprofit working to end hunger and poverty, announced this week that it has obtained its 5,000th certification for sustainable food production. The milestone was reached with the certification of a tea plantation in India.

Since 2003 Heifer has worked with the Rainforest Alliance to certify that its projects meet rigorous sustainability standards. In order to obtain certification, farms must comply with a wide range of environmental, social and economic criteria covering everything from land management to worker welfare.

"This is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to the hard work of our farmer-partners around the world, who are committed to producing food in a sustainable way that benefits their communities and the planet," said Barbara Frost, CEO of Heifer International.

The 5,000th certification brings Heifer closer to its goal of having all of its agricultural projects certified by 2020.

Heifer Projects Top 1 Million in New Members

Heifer International, a global nonprofit working to end hunger and poverty, has topped 1 million members worldwide for the first time in its 73-year history.

"This is a historic milestone for Heifer and a testament to the power of working together to create sustainable change in communities around the world," said President and CEO Donna Schaper. "In times of turmoil and discord, Heifer brings people together to build a more just and peaceful world."

The milestone was reached with the help of 652,717 new members in 2017. The surge in growth was bolstered by the organization's response to Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which destroyed homes and livelihoods in the Caribbean. Heifer mobilized its network of volunteers, partners and donors to provide critical assistance in the form of food, water, shelter and livelihood support.

As part of its work to empower people around the world to break the cycle of poverty, Heifer also provides training in animal husbandry, small business development, leadership and other essential skills. Recipients receive livestock or trees that provide an ongoing income stream as well as training in how to use natural resources sustainably. This holistic approach helps families not only survive but also build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Since its founding in 1944, Heifer has helped millions of people gain access to food, water and clean energy; improved their health and sanitation; educated their children; empowered them as leaders; and lifted them out of poverty.

Heifer International Names New CEO

Heifer International, one of the leading agricultural charities in the world, has announced a new CEO. Effective immediately, current president and CEO Pierre Ferrari is stepping down and will be replaced by Andrea Ghidone.

Ghidone has been with Heifer International since 2003, most recently serving as the vice president of marketing and communications. In her new role, she will be responsible for leading the organization's efforts to end hunger and poverty around the world.

"I am honored to lead Heifer International at this critical time," Ghidone said in a statement. "With more than 795 million people still going to bed hungry every night, we have a lot of work ahead of us. But I know that with the support of our donors and partners, we can make a real difference in the lives of millions of people."

Ferrari praised Ghidone's appointment, calling her "an exceptional leader with a deep understanding of Heifer's mission and values."

Heifer International was founded in 1944 with the goal of helping people around the world break the cycle of poverty. The organization provides livestock and training in sustainable agriculture to families in need, helping them to achieve food security and self-sufficiency.

Heifer Helps Families in Need

In the United States, 1 in 6 people face hunger. [1] This means that they don't know where their next meal is coming from. Heifer International is a nonprofit organization that helps families in need by providing them with livestock and training.

When a family receives a heifer from Heifer International, they are given the opportunity to become self-reliant. The family can either keep the heifer and use it for milk, meat, and fertilizer, or they can donate it to another family in need. In addition to livestock, Heifer also provides training in areas such as income-generation, health, and nutrition.

Since 1945, Heifer International has helped millions of families around the world become self-reliant. Last year alone, they gave more than 15 million animals to families in need. You can help make a difference by donating to Heifer International today.

References:

1."Hunger Facts." Feeding America . Feeding America, 01 Mar. 2016. Web. 17 Apr. 2017

Heifer Receives Major Grant from Walmart

Walmart Foundation has awarded a $1.5 million grant to Heifer International, a global nonprofit working to end poverty and hunger. The grant will help Heifer provide partner families in the developing world with animals like cows, pigs, and chickens, as well as training on how to raise and care for them.

"We're excited to partner with Walmart on this important work," said Pierre Ferrari, president and CEO of Heifer International. "This grant will help us provide sustainable sources of food and income to some of the poorest families around the world."

Animal husbandry is an essential part of sustainable development and helps fight poverty and malnutrition by providing a regular source of food and income. Heifer's programs have a lasting impact, as families are often able to pass on animals and training to future generations.

"Investing in Heifer is an investment in sustainable community development that can create a ripple effect of positive change around the world," said Kathleen McLaughlin, president of the Walmart Foundation.

Walmart has a long-standing partnership with Heifer International, having provided more than $27 million in grants since 2001. This latest grant will help Heifer reach more than 270,000 people in 24 countries.