We are continuing to stand with Afghan families, especially girls at risk of child marriage

Ninety-five percent of people in Afghanistan—an estimated 38 million—do not have enough to eat.

Banafsha was one of them. As a journalist and activist for women’s rights, her life has been in constant danger since August. The mounting threats forced her into hiding, leaving her with only sweet tea and bread to feed her malnourished baby.

Afghanistan is on the brink of famine. The circumstances are extremely dire, so much so that this crisis is now one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Up against massive job losses, skyrocketing food costs, a prolonged drought, and a brutal winter, families are fighting to survive. Those who are pregnant and nursing are especially vulnerable, as are children, with 3.5 million in need of nutritional support.

Heartbreakingly, young girls are being sold into child marriage to men five times their age in exchange for money for food.

“The likelihood that more girls will be sold and married is unlike anything we have seen in decades,” said Jessica from Too Young to Wed.

We made a commitment to Afghan families seven months ago. In that time, we raised and deployed $924,000 via nine grants to our partners. We helped families evacuate and escape, and we welcomed and supported families as they resettled in the U.S.

Now we have delivered life-saving food to children and families in Afghanistan.

In January, we invested $100,000 in Too Young to Wed’s emergency food program to feed 115 families for three months.

Their team is on the ground right now distributing woven sacks filled with rice, fresh produce, shelf staples, and jugs of cooking oil.

They recently served 750 individuals in Badghis, which is especially vulnerable after just having been hit by an earthquake. As part of that distribution, the parents of thirty children who had previously been hospitalized for malnutrition received food critical for their babies’ continued recovery.

In addition to food, Banafsha and more parents like her now have the baby formula, diapers, and clean water they need.

Together, we are continuing to stand with Afghan families, especially girls at risk of child marriage, during this unconscionable crisis.