The Problem with Manna Packs in Honduras

After seeing the same problem over the years and throughout various communities, I decided to do a poll regarding "manna packs" or fortified rice packages that the US often sends to hungry countries. My experience has been that the families think they taste strange and don't like them.

I started thinking about it more deeply when a family at my church said they had no food last week. Then on Sunday the church handed out manna packs to every family, including me, which tells me there were a lot and someone needed to get rid of them. They were expired in April 2016 - another sign that they were having a hard time finding a home.

As they were handed out I was talking with the family who said they have no food. I know there are many more families within my church who rarely have food. But few wanted their manna packs. I have seen this same phenomenon happen with other families over the years who I know are hungry. Why would hungry people turn down food?

So I asked. The mother of the family that had no food last week says her family will not eat them. She said they do not taste good and she doesn't have the vegetables or spices necessary to make them taste good, so they will just sit on her shelf.

When I got home I took a poll on a Facebook page called "Missionaries in Honduras". It is a closed group with 791 members. What I learned is that if the rice is prepared FOR the people, with seasonings and added veggies or meat to "mask" the flavor, people will eat it.

When people are shown how to prepare the meals at home, it is assumed they will have vegetables or meat to add to the packets for flavor. But the people who have money to add vegetables or meat, would never choose to eat the fortified rice because they do not like the taste.

Remember, rice is a basic staple in Honduras. Honduras grows its own rice. Hondurans have their personal way of cooking rice and they are proud of their cooking. 

Through the poll I learned the packages are mainly being used by feeding centers for large groups of people. Feeding centers have the resources to add chicken or veggies and make the packages more palatable. But the packages are hand packaged by the senders in a very time consuming process. They are family sized portions intended to be cooked in individual homes. In this case the manna can be useful, but the packaging should be reassessed.

Another missionary suggested that a portion of the money spent on these packets be donated locally in Honduras, so the packets could be assembled with rice grown here, and seasonings that local people like. He noted that it would cost a lot less, would create jobs and also support the local economy. He also said he doubted that would ever happen because the marketing behind these programs is immense and, understandably, people like the feeling of sending something they made themselves.

Which made me think of Christmas gifts. You know those gifts that are given because the giver thinks they are nice, but the giver is not considering the recipient's needs or personal taste? What happens to those gifts? They are re-gifted. I have seen the manna pack "re-gifted" over and over through the years because it is not meeting the recipients' needs or taste.

I am told that people are very defensive about this topic. I didn't know that when I posted within the missionary Facebook page. I received private messages saying that people believe the packs are a waste of time and the money could be more wisely spent, but some didn't want to say that publicly because they are afraid people would stop giving.

It seems we all share the same fear. If we speak out, we fear the generosity will end. Check this out:

Before I became a missionary, I visited Honduras for a summer. My host pointed out a church. He said, you see that church? That church has been painted four times in six months. Surprised, I asked why. My host told me that people from the US wanted to help. I asked why the Honduran people didn't tell the US teams that their church didn't need paint. He said the Hondurans were afraid to offend someone.

So what should we do?

In the end, nobody will say they do not want a gift. They don't want to discourage generosity. But I feel qualified to say that manna packs or fortified rice are not the best way to go in Honduras unless you know a specific feeding center that really needs them. Manna packets are being regifted until they pass the expiration date. On the occasions that they are eaten, they are usually not enjoyed in the way (I believe) the sender imagined.

There is a better way to help the people of Honduras. Here are my suggestions:

Give prayerfully. God will lead you.

Ask yourself what are your intentions. Be aware of why you are giving. Is it to meet your personal needs or the needs of those you are serving? Or both? Be honest.

Ask the people you are serving what they need. Ask them how you can help. Keep in mind their answer may not make sense to you. Each community has their own, individual needs which depend on many factors.

Remember that they will always accept anything you offer and they will be grateful for your good intentions.

Thank you for all you are doing to support the people of Honduras! Your help is appreciated! My hope in sharing this information is not to discourage your donations, but to encourage you to support us in the most effective and efficient way so your resources are not wasted and your donations are most beneficial.