The Rinaldi Foundation’s response to Hurricane Matthew does not merely look at the short term needs of the families that were affected by the storm. Rather, it seeks to strengthen communities for the future. With this goal in mind, the Rinaldi Foundation launched an initiative to provide 500 families in 13 different communes in the south of the country with resources to promote food security and financial autonomy.
Each of the 500 families received a kit that included agricultural tools, as well as seeds and seedlings for crops such as coconut, cashews, pistachios, peas, sorghum, spinach, eggplant, calalou gombo, cabbage, and melons. Further, they were given training on how plant and care for the crops and the subsequent harvest. Such an initiative is important as the hurricane and resulting flooding destroyed all the crops that had been planted, and, further, prices of food have been rising in the markets due to shortages.
When following up with the beneficiaries, the participants stated that the project was like a gift from heaven. It was worth so much more than just receiving a bag of rice. Some of those surveyed mentioned that they felt that it was a means for them to earn a living in dignity and to gain self-respect. The beneficiaries of the project were also asked, "What will you do with your crops?” They stated that part of the harvest would be used for their personal and family consumption, some would be stored for new seeds, and, if possible, they would like to sell a portion. With money from the sale, they said that they hoped to buy livestock. Others even attested that they were thinking of donating a portion of their crops to help others in need!
