Four and half years ago Kerry Owen was made aware that hundreds of thousands of New Zealand children come to school hungry. Her response was to establish a charity called “Feed the Need.”
Along with her friend, Laurie Wharemate Keung, they and their team have built from scratch a successful charity that is helping thousands of New Zealand children, as well as their families and teachers.
Kerry, who is expecting her and husband Matt’s fifth child — and mother of five, Laurie — have worked tirelessly to reach the hungry children. This is their third year of serving nutritious, healthy meals to children in areas where incomes are low. Supported by family and friends, this year they will provide 30,000 lunches to disadvantaged children.
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Kerry, Laurie and their families are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They say their faith is a key part of their desire and efforts to build strong marriages and families, and also to reach out to help others in the community.
“We are grateful for people with charitable hearts and hands, everywhere — in churches, schools, agencies and community groups,” Kerry says.
“But the problems are so big, we can and must do more.”
According to Kerry, the Owen and Keung families base their families and relationships on the gospel of Jesus Christ. As they seek to do that, Kerry says, there is a spill over desire to do what they can to help others also.
“As Latter-day Saints, we feel compelled to follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ in reaching out to serve others, to alleviate suffering and help children and families to live and do better.”
Kerry continues: “We do what we can as individuals and as families, sometimes within our own congregation, and when possible we work with others from other faiths and groups to achieve more for the good of those in need. We need to work together to help more people.”
Latter-day Saints place a strong emphasis on helping people with their immediate needs, but also on assisting them to become self-reliant.
For Kerry and Laurie, healthy, well-fed children will achieve better education outcomes leading to future generations that can provide for themselves and their children. They urge government, churches and others to encourage and support parents to find ways to provide for their children.
“When you are self-reliant, your life is better, your family is stronger, and your self-esteem increases,” says Kerry. “And you are in a position to not only take care of your own needs, but also to help those around you.”
Read more about Feed the Need.