On this day, because of Heifer Project International, millions of people who were once hungry will be nourished by milk, eggs and fresh vegetables. Families who for generations knew only poverty will build new homes and start businesses. They will send their children to school instead of to the fields to do backbreaking work. Best of all, each partner family experiences the dignity of sharing as they give one or more of their animal’s offspring to another family in need.

Since 1944, when Heifer Project first shipped cows to impoverished families, we have known that livestock offer one of the best resources for ending the cycle of chronic hunger and poverty that plagues two-thirds of the planet.

Over the last five decades, as we have helped 4 million small-scale farm families on five continents, we have learned important lessons.

We have learned that, to effect real change, our efforts must be sustainable — we must equip future generations to face the challenges in store for them. We have learned the importance of training that allows farmers to use their land productively, restore and preserve the environment. We have learned how women — who produce much of the developing world’s food — can play a pivotal role in improving family nutrition. We have learned to be sensitive to traditional cultures, often supporting them by reintroducing indigenous animals. We have learned that we will not end hunger without educating North Americans about the role they play in global poverty and challenging ourselves to alter our lifestyles to care for the earth and its inhabitants.

Perhaps most important, Heifer Project has learned that global problems can be solved only if all people are committed to sharing what they have and caring about others. In a world where one billion people don’t have enough to eat, our effectiveness depends upon the sustained effort of many partners around the world. And Heifer Project continues to search for new partners who share our vision for a better world.

Jo Luck
President