COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (April 22, 2025) – For many children in Honduras, the chance to run, learn, and dream without pain is out of reach. This year, Food For The Poor (FFTP) is taking bold steps to change that.
With the theme “Health Fuels Dreams,” FFTP is launching a special campaign for Food For The Poor Day on Wednesday, May 7, to raise vital support for 445 life-changing pediatric surgeries in Honduras.
The week of giving and hope will begin with Hope Fest on Saturday, May 3, from 12 to 4 p.m. at FFTP’s Coconut Creek headquarters, 6401 Lyons Road. This family-friendly event invites the community to join in a day of celebration and learn more about FFTP. Admission is free with the donation of a canned good to support children in need.
Through a collaboration with World Pediatrics (WP) and FFTP’s trusted in-country partner CEPUDO, FFTP will provide specialized surgeries at nine hospitals across Honduras. These procedures –ranging from cardiac and orthopedic surgeries to treatment for scoliosis and osteogenesis imperfecta – will give children a second chance at life.
Children like Maria Jose, a fourth-grader suffering from an inguinal hernia, are among those counting on this support.
“I just want to play with my friends and live a peaceful and happy life,” she said. “I am excited about my surgery because soon I will be able to be a normal child, free from pain.”
This is the second consecutive year for Food For The Poor Day, which was established last year on May 7 and officially recognized by the Coconut Creek City Commission for the charity’s significant contributions to the community. Now in its 43rd year, FFTP has been carrying out its mission at its 120,000-square-foot warehouse and headquarters in Coconut Creek since Jan. 15, 2007.
FFTP President/CEO Ed Raine emphasized the urgency and hope behind this year’s campaign.
“No child should be denied the opportunity to pursue their dreams because of a lack of medical care,” Raine said. “By coming together to support these surgeries, we’re giving these children the chance to grow, thrive, and imagine a better tomorrow.”
While WP is contributing $80,500, FFTP aims to raise an additional $99,000 to complete the funding needed. These surgeries will relieve suffering, reduce long-term disabilities, and allow children to return to school and simply enjoy childhood again.
To make a gift or learn more, visit foodforthepoor.org/sharehope.
At Hope Fest, families will be able to explore FFTP through:
- Hands-on volunteer activities.
- Virtual reality experiences that showcase the lives of those FFTP helps.
- Behind-the-scenes tours.
Attendees can also enjoy the following creative and interactive activities:
- Hope Cards – Write uplifting messages for children receiving care.
- Hope Passport – Earn stamps at activity stations and enter a drawing for a mission trip.
- Bounce houses and local food trucks.
“Hope Fest is a joyful day that brings our mission to life,” Raine said. “It’s an opportunity for families and friends to gather in service and celebration while seeing firsthand how their support is changing lives.”
Hope Fest sponsors include Aflac, BKS, Virtual Arcadia, Brits Boards and Koffeeology.
About Food For The Poor
Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry children and families living in poverty primarily in 15 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, water, medicine, educational materials, homes, support for vulnerable children, care for the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance. For more information, please visit foodforthepoor.org.
Michael Turnbell
Communications
954-471-0928
[email protected]