Our Goal

A year ago, Nicaragua was the fastest growing economy in Central America. The tourist industry was attracting visitors from all over the globe. They came for the gorgeous beaches, fantastic surfing, rich history and vibrant culture. Nicaraguans shared these gifts with a warmth and a welcome the likes of which I had not encountered in all my travels to other parts of the world. In short order, what truly pulled us back to Nicaragua each winter went beyond the breathtaking sunsets or lazy afternoons spent in a hammock by the pool. We returned each year to the people; to the spirit of relentless optimism, joy and kindness we encountered at every turn.

In April, 2018 this economic growth came to an abrupt hault as political unrest rocked the streets of Managua, Leon, Granada and other cities across the country. As tourists fled, hotels were left empty over night. Restauarnts went days and then weeks without a patron. The beaches were deserted. And with the tourists went countless service oriented jobs which had been supporting countless households across the country.

In response to the political unrest, the government instituted several auterity and loyalty policies - the end result of which is thousands of households with aging or ill family members, who once received monthly food aid, were now on their own. Young people were forced to leave school and seek employment as they were now, in most cases, the sole povider for their families. The trouble is, there were very few jobs to be filled. Many Nicaraguans left for Costa Rica, hoping to find enough work to send money for food home to their parents, spouses and children. Others were left to contemplate more dangerous journies in search of work.

By the time we arrived in January 2019, the marks of these auterity and loyaly policies were visible everywhere. In our time there this winter, almost all our conversations with Nicaraguans centered around the desperate decision to either stay and hope for the return of tourism, or leave their children with a grandparent and risk everything to seek work in a foreign country. 

But we have found a way to help!

For a very low cost of just $15 a month per household, we can purchase and deliver packets containing essential food items to families hardest hit. Basic essentials like rice, beans, salt and cooking oil, among others, can make the difference between a family either having enough for a daily meal or not. Furthermore, the process of purchasing, dividing and delivering these packets creates part time work for tqo of our friends, Katy and Lucia. Please consider visiting and donating to our GoFundMe page by following this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/los-paquetes