A Future Without Hunger Starts with Empowerment—Supporting Families, Strengthening Communities

A Future Without Hunger Starts with Empowerment—Supporting Families, Strengthening Communities.

Photo: GTQF volunteers at a maize mill preparing maize flour ready for distribution

Malawi is grappling with a critical period known as the “hunger gap,” when last year’s maize reserves are depleted and the new harvest is still maturing.

In 2024, a 50-kg bag of maize, Malawi’s staple—enough to sustain an average family of six for a month—costs MK35,000. Today, that price has surged to MK100,000, surpassing the national monthly minimum wage. For many families, affording necessities like rent, soap, and school fees has become an overwhelming challenge. The situation is worse for the underprivileged. For example, children taking care of themselves. 

In the wake of persistent food insecurity affecting millions in Malawi, the Grown Too Quick Foundation (GTQF) has been at the forefront of strengthening community resilience. Amid rising hunger levels, particularly among child-headed families and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, GTQF took decisive action—not as mere relief providers but as partners in empowering young people and their communities to navigate hardship with dignity and hope.

The country’s stunting and malnutrition rates are already high and children are the most affected. Recognising the urgent need for nourishment, GTQF mobilised resources to provide essential food supplies to vulnerable families. Working closely with volunteers and young leaders, the foundation distributed food parcels containing staple items such as maize flour, chanks locally known as “Soya Pieces”, and other nutritious supplements to some identified children in Zingwangwa township. These efforts are designed not just to address immediate hunger but also to create a foundation for sustained well-being.

“This initiative is not just about feeding people for a day—it’s about ensuring they have the strength to continue working towards their dreams,” said Mr Francis, the Founder, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to long-term impact.

Uplifting child-headed households

For child-headed families, hunger is often just one of many challenges. Without stable incomes or parental support, many young caregivers must juggle school, work, and household responsibilities. Through this initiative, GTQF ensures that these resilient young individuals receive not only food but also mentorship, counseling, and pathways to economic empowerment.

“GTQF’s support means I can focus on my studies without worrying about where my next meal will come from,” shared one of the undisclosed beneficiaries, a determined teenager who dreams of becoming a healthcare worker.

“No child should choose between hunger and their education,” reiterates Mada Daniel, one of the key fundraisers for this cause.

“Soya pieces and maize flour ready to be delivered to six families for a temporary relief”

Why this matters

Malawi is a youthful country. Its progressive future depends on empowered young people. While temporary relief meets immediate needs, long-term solutions are more sustainable. As Malawi faces ongoing climate-related disruptions and economic constraints, the foundation remains committed to fostering resilience and equipping communities, especially disadvantaged children and young people, with the tools they need to thrive despite adversity.