My husband and I received a Christmas present from his brother and wife from Ten Thousand Villages “Change a life with Livestock”. That will supply a goat, pig, sheep or rabbits to the poor to use for milk and food. I was shocked but said nothing, as I know they meant well.
Heifer International, Christian Aid, Send a Cow, Oxfam and Farm Friends offer the same thing. They say it will help these people. No doubt it will, but there is a much better way.
Animals are an inefficient way to produce protein. It takes 16 pounds of grains to produce 1 pound of meat, not to mention lots of water and the waste they produce.
Also, if a family is struggling to feed itself, how will it be able to feed an animal sufficiently?
One way to help the needy is through microloans or microprise.
I emailed Ten Thousand Villages about this and am waiting to here back from them.
If there is fertile land it should be used to grow food for people.
Food For Life Global http://www.ffl.org/ helps the hungry with vegetarian or vegan food.
About Me
- Anne
- I am a happily married animal lover. My husband and I have fostered cats for the Toronto Humane Society since 2003. After doing this I really admire those who foster children, it must be much harder, more rewarding but also a lot more painful letting them go. I support local animal rights and welfare groups. I feel it's important to speak up for those who can't speak for themselves, such as children, animals and those who live in countries ruled by tyrants. If you're after a pet, whether it's a dog, cat, bird, rabbit or rat, don't shop, ADOPT! Go to your local animal shelter.