Millions go to bed hungry tonight. You can change that.
Across Africa and beyond, millions of families go to bed hungry every night because of drought, conflict, and a changing climate. Your gift today helps communities grow their own food, restore their land, and build a future free from starvation and fight world hunger.
For millions, the next meal is not guaranteed
Hunger isn’t just about drought. It strikes when conflict destroys farmland, when floods wipe out an entire harvest, when a single mother has no income left after a crisis. The causes are different in every community — and so are the solutions.
Emergency hunger
When conflict or disaster strikes, families lose access to food overnight. Children go without meals. Parents make impossible choices.
Chronic food insecurity
In places like Burundi and South Sudan, hunger isn’t caused by a single crisis — it’s the daily reality of poverty, depleted soils, and fragile food systems with no safety net.
The gender gap
Women and girls eat last and least. In conflict zones and food-insecure households, they carry the heaviest burden when food runs out — yet are often excluded from the solutions.
CLWR’s approach: from emergency food to lasting food security
Emergency food assistance
When crisis hits — conflict in South Sudan, displacement in Ethiopia, disaster in Haiti — CLWR and its partners deliver emergency food rations to families with nowhere else to turn. Speed and local knowledge matter when people are starving.
Farm starter kits and seeds
Getting families back to growing their own food is the fastest path out of hunger. CLWR provides vulnerable households with seeds, tools, livestock, and the supplies needed to start or rebuild a farm — giving families control over their own nutrition.
Foodgrains Bank partnership
CLWR is a proud member of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank — a partnership of Canadian churches working toward a world without hunger. This membership amplifies every dollar you give through coordinated, accountable food security programs across multiple countries.
Real impact: families fed, futures secured
5,329
1,200
1,300
600
People in South Sudan who received emergency food last year
Households in Burundi receiving farm starter kits
Families in Ethiopia now producing their own food and income
Farming families in El Salvador protected from drought and flood by crop insurance
Real impact: families fed, futures secured
5,329
1,200
People in South Sudan who received emergency food last year
Households in Burundi receiving farm starter kits
1,300
600
Families in Ethiopia now producing their own food and income
Farming families in El Salvador protected from drought and flood by crop insurance
Support the fight against world hunger with a meaningful gift
Emergency food
Give life-saving food to a family in an emergency. Your gift will allow our local partners to immediately get life-saving food to families facing severe malnutrition.
Suggested donation: $20
Seeds
Hope grows from the smallest seeds! Your gift will provide farmers with seeds so they can grow drought-resistant crops, which means food for their families and new income.
Suggested donation: $50
Garden tools
Your gift of garden tools like spades, rakes and hoes will help families grow gardens full of healthy food to eat and sell at the market.
Suggested donation: $75
Or donate any amount where it’s needed most:
Why donors trust CLWR?
Transparent and accountable
Since 1946, CLWR has been known for its trusted work. We’re reviewed by independent third-party organizations, like Charity Intelligence.
Government matched giving
Many of our programs are matched by the Canadian government, multiplying the impact of your donation.
Community-led solutions
We work with local partners who understand their communities best, ensuring sustainable, lasting change.
Ready to help end hunger?
Hunger is solvable. A donation of any amount helps CLWR reach families with urgent food today — and build the conditions so they can feed themselves tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR)?
Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) is a Canadian humanitarian organization working to end hunger, fight poverty and build resilient communities around the world. Founded in 1946 to assist refugees after World War II, we bring 80 years of experience in emergency response and long-term development.
While rooted in the Lutheran tradition, we serve people based on need, regardless of faith, background or nationality; partnering with trusted local organizations to create lasting change.
What's the difference between emergency food aid and food security?
Emergency food aid delivers immediate relief when crisis strikes. Food security programs address the root causes — giving families the tools, skills, and safety nets to feed themselves consistently over time. CLWR does both. In El Salvador, CLWR uses real-time satellite data to automatically trigger compensation for farmers when drought or flooding is detected. No paperwork, no waiting — farmers get protected before the next crisis destroys what they’ve built.
How can I donate?
You can donate online at www.clwr.org, by calling us at 1-800-661-2597, or by mailing a cheque, payable to Canadian Lutheran World Relief, to us at 400-185 Carlton Street, Winnipeg MB, R3C 3J1. To donate through e-transfer, stocks or shares, click here.
How much of my donation goes directly to programs?
We are committed to responsible stewardship. Approximately 85% of every dollar goes directly to programs that support communities around the world. The remaining funds cover essential administration and fundraising costs that ensure accountability, transparency and long-term impact.
Can I trust that my donation is used wisely?
Yes. CLWR is regularly audited, and we work with reliable, trusted local partners who understand their communities best. We receive funding from the Government of Canada and other foundations that require strong reporting on spending and results. We also are a top-rated charity by Charity Intelligence, an independent organization that reviews reporting from Canadian Charities to ensure transparency and effectiveness.
I’m not Lutheran. Can I still donate?
Absolutely. While we are inspired by Christian values of justice and compassion, we serve people based on need — regardless of race, religion, identity, gender or background. Our supporters come from many different faiths and perspectives, united by a shared commitment to dignity and hope.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. CLWR is a registered Canadian charity. Donations are eligible for an official tax receipt which will be sent to you by email or mail.