We help ensure families can access food in times of crisis and build secure livelihoods beyond them.
People facing extreme hunger cannot afford to wait. Nearly half of all deaths among children under five are linked to malnutrition. In moments of acute crisis, such as earthquakes, floods, conflict, or economic shocks, CARE and our partners act quickly to ensure food reaches those who need it most.
At the same time, emergency assistance alone is not enough. Sustainable food security requires long-term approaches that help people recover, rebuild livelihoods, and reduce reliance on aid over time.
How CARE supports food security
CARE and our partners work across emergencies and longer-term recovery using complementary approaches that respond to immediate needs while strengthening resilience.
We focus on:
Food assistance
In acute emergencies, CARE provides food or nutritional supplements to help people survive until longer-term support systems can be established.
School feeding
Hunger undermines learning. Children who are undernourished are more likely to miss school, struggle to concentrate, and face ongoing health challenges.
CARE supports school feeding programs so children can stay in school, learn effectively, and grow healthy.
Cash and voucher assistance
When local markets are functioning and accessible, CARE provides cash or vouchers instead of in-kind food.
This approach is faster and more cost-effective than importing food. It also allows families to choose what they need most, and supports local markets, helping to drive economic recovery.
Supporting government-led programs
Public social protection and food assistance programs are essential for reaching people at scale. CARE works with local and national authorities to strengthen existing programs or support the development of new ones that provide comprehensive assistance to those most in need.
