For the fourth year in a row, the Religious Conference Management Association has donated $100,000 to the United Nations' World Food Programme to fight hunger among children. RCMA now has given $400,000 for this most-worthy purpose, and its $100,000 gift will feed 3,000 children for one school year.

The World Food Programme provides food for children at schools. The approach is simple and it works: food attracts hungry children to school. An education broadens their options, helping to lift them out of poverty. Instead of searching for food or working, children receive a nutritious meal as well as an education. In the poorest pockets of the world, this strategy can double primary school enrollment in one year.

For a child suffering from hunger, going to school is not as important as having enough food to eat. Among the poor, there is often not enough food at home, and most schools in developing countries do not have canteens or cafeterias. On empty stomachs, children become distracted easily and have problems concentrating on their lessons.

The promise of at least one nutritious meal a day attracts children to school, boosts enrollment, promotes attendance, and enhances student performance.

DeWayne Woodring, CMP, CEM, executive director of RCMA, said, “Providing food to impoverished children in schools is one of the most effective strategies for fighting hunger, eliminating poverty, and providing education. As a public charity, our association feels that it has a special ministry to perform and is expressing this partially through the school feeding program. This humanitarian endeavor helps in a small way to address the ravages of hunger that exist in the world today.”

I believe RCMA is a special organization. It's important to remember that RCMA is the sole nonprofit association devoted to serving religious meeting planners. RCMA also holds the only not-for-profit trade show for religious meeting planners.

RCMA's contributions to the World Food Programme are a remarkable witness, setting a fine example for everyone in the meetings industry to follow.

Hurray for RCMA and its philanthropic efforts.