On a snowy Giving Tuesday in Chicago, AM560’s Morning Answer shifted focus from politics to an urgent humanitarian crisis. Host Dan Proft welcomed back Paul Jacobs of Food for the Poor to update listeners on the staggering levels of hunger facing children in countries like Honduras, Haiti, Guatemala, and Jamaica—and to explain how one day of giving can dramatically expand relief efforts.
Jacobs opened with a sobering reminder of the realities facing families in rural Honduras: children eating grass and leaves; parents foregoing meals for days; entire communities relying on whatever can be pulled from the ground to survive. “A pet in the United States lives much better than people do in Honduras,” one partner in the field said—a statement Jacobs confirmed with personal experience.
Food for the Poor, now in its 43rd year, serves 15 countries across the Caribbean and Latin America, where an estimated 45 million people live in conditions of severe malnutrition. The organization relies on partnerships with local churches, pastors, and community leaders to deliver food, water, and long-term development aid directly to families who need it most.
A Rare Chance to Triple Impact
Jacobs emphasized that Giving Tuesday provides a unique opportunity: every donation—no matter how small—is tripled through a match arranged by a long-time donor.
That means:
- A $150 gift, normally enough to feed and provide water to two children for a full year, today supports six.
- A $300 gift, normally supporting four children, today reaches twelve.
“This is a day you can mark on your calendar,” Jacobs said. “Whatever is in your hand—whether it’s $50 or $150—today it becomes three times as powerful.”
He encouraged listeners to join the first wave of 20 donors needed to jump-start the campaign, sharing stories of families he has met in the field. One in particular, a father in Honduras, reminded him of his own upbringing: the blank stare of a parent who has nothing left to give, unsure where the next meal will come from.
“These kids don’t eat every day,” Jacobs said. “But your gift today means they can eat every day for an entire year.”
Sustainability Beyond Handouts
Proft asked about long-term development—whether the organization simply distributes food or works to help communities become self-reliant. Jacobs explained that Food for the Poor’s mission extends beyond emergency aid.
The group invests in:
- Local agriculture projects
- Water purification systems
- Livestock programs
- Vocational training
- Community-run food distribution through churches
“All of our work is done hand-in-hand with local pastors,” Jacobs said. “They live in these communities. They know the families. They stay long after we leave.”
He added that the meals provided are not empty calories but nutrient-dense rice-based “mana packs” fortified with proteins, vitamins, and minerals—designed specifically to rescue children from malnutrition.
Recent Disasters Amplify the Need
Jacobs also highlighted Jamaica’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island just weeks ago. Entire neighborhoods remain without food security, schools are closed, and families are still receiving emergency relief.
“Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica—every one of these places has communities where children haven’t eaten in days,” Jacobs said. “This is why today matters.”
Business Benefactor Program: Philanthropy Meets Local Promotion
Proft also reminded listeners of the station’s Business Benefactor program. For a tax-deductible donation of $2,500 to Food for the Poor, AM560 provides forty 60-second commercials during prime broadcast hours.
It’s both a marketing opportunity and a way to feed more than 30 children for a year.
Businesses already participating include:
- DC Export Group
- Humane Indiana
- DSP Insurance
- MS Consulting
- Applied Mechanical
- South Suburban Humane Society
- Chris Jacobs Team, Century 21 Circle
- Breakthrough Ideas (Genie Ives)
How to Give Today
To support children in crisis through the tripled Giving Tuesday match:
Donate:
📞 844-862-4673
🌐 560theanswer.com/foodforthepoor
To join the Business Benefactor program:
Contact station GM John Gallagher at 847-472-8950.