The Mayan civilization had its beginnings in Guatemala about 2,000 years ago. After almost three centuries as a Spanish colony, Guatemala won its independence in 1821. During the second half of the 20th century, it experienced a variety of military and civilian governments, as well as a 36-year guerrilla war. In 1996, the government signed a peace agreement formally ending the conflict, which had left more than 100,000 people dead and had created, by some estimates, some 1 million refugees.
Guatemala’s location on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean makes it a target for hurricanes resulting in significant flooding and mudslides. This developing country still faces many social problems and is among the 10 poorest countries in Latin America. The distribution of income remains highly unequal with approximately 29 percent of the population living below the poverty line. Most families heavily rely on subsistence farming and suffer from lack of clean water, food, electricity, and health care. Violent crime is a serious concern due to endemic poverty, an abundance of weapons, a legacy of societal violence, and dysfunctional law enforcement and judicial systems.
Food for the Hungry made its entry in Guatemala in 1976 following a devastating earthquake that killed thousands of people.
How we are meeting needs in Guatemala
Education by Extension
Guatemala has the second-lowest education level in the hemisphere. Children in rural areas seldom have an opportunity to further their education beyond the sixth grade. Through the Education by Extension program, students receive orientation about available options and assistance to further their education. They receive biblical training while they attend educational centers in the cities to help them develop in all areas of life. Scholarships help pay for tuition, housing, transportation, and school supplies. This program helps students to have a more secure future and to become capable leaders of their families and communities.
Health and Nutrition
Food for the Hungry provides biblically based teachings to families and schools in Guatemala about how good hygiene and nutrition habits contribute to a healthy community. Food for the Hungry helps communities in Guatemala gain access to health care services and learn treatment and prevention of common diseases.
Water and Reparation
Food for the Hungry helps communities in Guatemala build their own water systems and trains them how to conserve water resources and properly maintain these services.
Agriculture Development
The agriculture development program of Food for the Hungry helps families learn effective farming methods to ensure food security. In Guatemala, the program provides greenhouses to qualified and motivated families to help them improve their overall level of health and nutrition.
Environment Management
Food for the Hungry helps communities in Guatemala counteract centuries of deforestation and soil degradation by teaching them how to rebuild their forests and how to properly use and fertilize the soil.
Environment Management
Food for the Hungry shares biblical principles to Guatemalan families through home visits for the purpose of developing physical, spiritual and social health among participating families.
Leadership Development
Food for the Hungry teaches biblical principles to church and community leaders in Guatemala to help them strengthen their strategic roles in community and spiritual development.
Join a short-term team!
Another way to help families and communities in Guatemala overcome all forms of human poverty is by joining a short-term team. The short-term team ministry of Food for the Hungry provides opportunities for individuals to form or join a group and serve on a 10- to 14-day mission trip to an impoverished community. In Guatemala, team members can help build special projects, visit sponsored children, organize workshops, and build relationships with churches and community members. Team members provide critical assistance as they work alongside long-term missionaries, national staff and local community members to make a lasting impact in a hurting community.
Become a Hunger Corps!
A Hunger Corps is a long-term missionary with Food for the Hungry, usually serving on a mission field for three years or more. This program is a great opportunity for people who have a heart for the poor to make a serious commitment to bring the love of God to others and help communities overcome physical and spiritual poverty. A Hunger Corps is sent by his or her local church to live alongside the poor and reflect God’s love and grace. They provide assistance in areas such as communication, teaching English, staff training and development, and community development.
Explore Guatemala on our site
Quote from Victor Cortez Rivero, Food for the Hungry/Guatemala country director
“My dream for the Guatemalan people is that they will have progress in their life to reach their goals through efforts and Gods love.”
Quote from a program beneficiary
“Many thanks to Food for the Hungry for the support and dedication in attending to our needs and for the spiritual, moral, and physical guidance they have granted us. Without it, it would not have been possible to reach our goals. May God bless each sponsor and member of Food for the Hungry staff.”
