Supply Hope is growing! It has been a while since our last update, and we are extremely excited to share what has been happening with you. As you may have noticed, we have a new website! If you haven’t noticed, please check it out at www.supplyhope.org. There are new videos, photos, statistics, and updated pages that will give you a better understanding of our work in Nicaragua.

Our home-based micro-franchise, Mercado Fresco, has grown from 10 stores to 53 stores! Mercado Fresco stores offer a fresh, affordable source of highly consumed, nutritious foods for lower income communities. To date, over 12,000 people have been served, incomes have been raised from less than $2 per day to approximately $8 per day, and 85,000 lbs. of fresh, nutritious food distributed. None of this could have happened without our dedicated Nicaraguan staff who work tirelessly each day to support our micro-franchise operators. We have grown to 13 in-country employees who all have a passion and desire to see lives changes through micro-franchising.

The majority of our store operators are women. Although this has not been intentional, it is not surprising. Women represent 70% of the world’s poor. The stores are also home-based so they are perfect for women with children and/or grandmothers. These ladies are hard-working and resourceful, but face many challenges. It has taken great strength and courage for them to make an effort to break the cycle of poverty in their family. They are willing to do whatever they need to provide for their families…and now they have that opportunity.

Every parent wants to be able to provide a future for their children, and with Supply Hope, this is becoming a reality. We will continue to keep you up-to-date with what is happening in Nicaragua. We are grateful for your support!