Providing Food to Families of Hospital Patients

Summary
Fatima Memorial Hospital (FMH) is committed to providing quality healthcare to underprivileged communities in Pakistan. With the rising inflow of patients and their attendants, the demand for free meals has increased significantly. To address this need, FMH has launched the Food for Families project, aiming to raise $$leaving$61,328 remaining to reach the goal. This project is a lifeline for thousands of families who rely on FMH not only for healthcare but also for sustenance.

Challenge
Pakistan faces severe food insecurity, ranking 77th out of 112 countries on the Global Food Security Index. With 60% of the population experiencing food insecurity and 44% of children under five chronically malnourished, the need for intervention is critical. At FMH, 82% of patients receive healthcare either free of cost or at subsidized rates. These patients and their attendants often cannot afford meals, exacerbating their suffering during already challenging times.

Solution
FMH is addressing this crisis by providing free meals to underprivileged patients and their attendants. This initiative not only alleviates hunger but also supports the overall well-being of patients, enabling them to focus on recovery. By ensuring access to nutritious meals, FMH is easing the burden on families who are already struggling with poverty and illness.

Long-Term Impact
The Food for Families project aims to contribute to improving Pakistan’s hunger score, which is currently the second highest in Asia. By providing meals to thousands of families, FMH is taking a significant step toward reducing food insecurity and malnutrition in the region. This initiative also aligns with global efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger.

Previous Report
In 2018, Pakistan ranked 77th out of 109 countries on the Global Food Security Index. The country’s double-digit food inflation and declining incomes have worsened food affordability, pushing more families into food insecurity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, FMH played a vital role in providing healthcare and meals to patients and their families. Now, with the pandemic receding, the hospital is seeing a surge in patient inflow, further increasing the demand for food support.

Call to Action
FMH relies on the generosity of donors to continue this life-saving work. Your contributions have already made a difference, but the need remains urgent. We urge you to support the Food for Families project and help us provide meals to those who need it most. Together, we can break the cycle of hunger and bring hope to thousands of families.

An Independent Study: Insights on Hospital Food Access
A 2008 study published in Health Expectations highlighted the challenges hospital inpatients face in accessing food. Despite overall satisfaction with meal quality, nearly half of the patients reported feeling hungry during their stay. Barriers included organizational issues (e.g., inflexible meal times), physical challenges (e.g., difficulty eating due to illness), and environmental factors (e.g., disruptions during mealtimes). These findings underscore the importance of addressing food access as a critical component of patient care.

Conclusion
Fatima Memorial Hospital’s Food for Families project is more than just a meal program—it is a lifeline for underprivileged families in Pakistan. By supporting this initiative, you are helping to alleviate hunger, improve health outcomes, and bring hope to those in need. Join us in this mission to create a hunger-free future for all.

Fatima Memorial Hospital
Providing Healthcare and Hope to Those in Need