Mary’s Meals, the charity that feeds more than 2.5 million children a day in schools in some of the world’s poorest communities, has reached a new milestone in its mission to end child hunger. Its founder, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, has been invited by the Vatican to take part in the 1st International Summit on the Rights of the Child, hosted by Pope Francis on 3 February.
The summit will bring together world leaders and humanitarians to discuss the fundamental rights of children: education, health, food, nutrition, and play. Among the attendees are Queen Rania of Jordan, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, and the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, among others.
In his speech, MacFarlane-Barrow will address “The right of children to food, nutrition and health care”, sharing the experience of Mary’s Meals and its global impact. “I am honored and delighted to be able to share the experience of Mary’s Meals at this important meeting. The success of our organisation lies in the kindness of people from all over the world, including Spain, who have made this movement a global reference,” said the founder.
Mary’s Meals: A Mission that Transcends Borders
Mary’s Meals was born in 2002 in Malawi, when it began providing meals to 200 schoolchildren. Today, its impact extends to more than 16 countries, ensuring that children receive a daily meal at school, thus encouraging education and breaking the cycle of poverty. In 2023, the organization was recognized with the Princess of Asturias Award for Concord, a recognition of its tireless work.
Mary’s Meals’ work is based on a network of committed volunteers and donors. With just 22 euros, a child can receive school meals for an entire year, proving that small actions can create big changes.
A Renewed Commitment
The Vatican’s invitation reinforces the relevance of Mary’s Meals in the fight against child hunger and its ability to influence global policies. The summit becomes a crucial platform to expand its reach and generate new alliances that allow it to continue transforming lives.
Mary’s Meals invites everyone to be part of this global movement. For more information on how to collaborate, donate or learn more about their work, visit their official website: www.marysmeals.es.
