Happy New year to you all!

I am writing this as I listen to the speeches of the Australians of the year, and think about how much we have – food, safety and security, a good health service, education for our children. At the same time, I know there are many people who tonight have no food for their families and do not live in a secure situation. That is why I work for the end of malnutrition in the world. I know it can be achieved. We are making strides bit by bit. Our annual reports from services we have assisted this last year have shown that change can happen.

At the end of last year, in my Message from the Chair, I talked about the effect that Covid was having in many communities in our country and around the world.  So many projects are wanting support, and I understand that all clubs are having difficulty keeping up with demands on their funds. We all, as Rotary Action Groups, are here to support clubs to value add to their projects in many countries, so that we are all providing the best value we can for funds donated to us.

Since 2007 we have had many requests, from NGO’s or community groups, in countries who are in great need of food, just to survive. Because of this, we have prepared educational materials for these countries, and have placed them on the website. They still need a financial supporter and to be reviewed in-country. Please consider these as you start thinking about what projects you would like to support or are already supporting in other ways.

Each of you can assist by joining Food Plant Solutions Rotary Action Group personally, or asking your club to join, for either $30 per year, per person or $100 per club, per year. What a difference it would make to children in the world to not only grow food but be confident in the security of the food source; for parents to know their families will survive because they understand how to grow and cook sustainable, nutritious food. https://foodplantsolutions.org/get-involved-and-join-us/

For very little a year, you can join me in adding to those funds, to make sure our vision of a world where malnutrition no longer exists is real.

I know, as We Serve to Change Lives, you will continue to make a difference to the lives of others.

Thank you for all you do

Yours in Rotary

PDG Una Hobday OAM, PHF

Chair – Food Plant Solutions Rotary Action Group