Jan 20, 2026

Haitian Development Network Foundation Intensifies Efforts to Strengthen Food Security Amid Rising Challenges

Orem, Utah – January 25, 2026 – As families across Haiti continue to face persistent food insecurity exacerbated by climate shocks, economic pressures, and supply chain disruptions, the Haitian Development Network (HDN) Foundation is doubling down on its commitment to building resilient, community-led food systems that put Haitian families first.

Too many Haitian households still struggle to put a healthy meal on the table each day. Recent assessments indicate that millions still live with moderate to severe food insecurity, particularly in rural areas where access to diverse, locally produced food is limited. HDN Foundation believes this is not an inevitable reality it is a challenge that can be met through targeted, sustainable intervention centered on family agriculture and local knowledge.

Haitian Development Network’s food security strategy focuses on empowering smallholder farmers and their families with practical tools, knowledge, and resources to increase production, diversify crops, improve soil health, and reduce post-harvest losses. The organization deliberately avoids large-scale, top-down approaches, instead working through trusted community structures to deliver support that is culturally appropriate, environmentally sound, and economically viable over the long term.

Key elements of HDN Foundation’s current food security work include:

  • Distribution of climate-resilient, open-pollinated seed varieties selected for local conditions

  • Farmer-to-farmer training in improved soil fertility management and water conservation techniques

  • Establishment of community seed banks to preserve and multiply local varieties

  • Promotion of integrated home gardening models that combine vegetables, legumes, and small livestock

  • Post-harvest handling workshops to reduce losses and increase household income

These activities are deliberately designed to strengthen family farming systems rather than replace them. HDN’s approach recognizes that Haitian rural families are not simply food producers they are also custodians of biodiversity, keepers of traditional knowledge, and the primary safety net for their children and elders.

Jacques Jonassaint, Chairman and CEO of HDN Foundation, emphasized the human dimension of this work: “When we help one family successfully grow enough nutritious food for themselves and have surplus to sell, we are not only addressing hunger, we are restoring dignity, rebuilding confidence, and creating the foundation for broader community development. Every seed planted, every technique shared, every harvest celebrated is a step toward the self-reliant Haiti we all envision.”

HDN Foundation remains deeply committed to protecting the safety and anonymity of all community partners, local facilitators, and beneficiaries in Haiti. No names, locations, or identifiable details of field-level collaborators are ever disclosed in public communications.

The need is urgent. Climate patterns have become increasingly unpredictable, input costs continue to rise, and market access remains challenging for many rural producers. Without deliberate, sustained investment in family-level food production capacity, vulnerability will only deepen.

HDN is therefore calling on compassionate individuals, forward-thinking businesses, faith communities, Haitian diaspora groups, and institutional partners to stand with Haitian families at this critical moment.

How you can help right now:

  • Make a secure online donation at https://hdn.org/donate  every dollar directly supports seed distribution, farmer training, and garden establishment

  • Share this release with your network and on social media using #SupportHDNFoundation

  • Consider becoming a monthly supporter, consistent giving allows HDN Foundation to plan longer-term programs with greater impact

  • If you represent a foundation, company, or organization interested in meaningful partnership without field exposure, contact us confidentially at [email protected]

The Haitian people have shown extraordinary resilience throughout history. HDN Foundation believes that with targeted, respectful support focused on family agriculture, that same resilience can be channeled into lasting food security for today’s children and tomorrow’s generations.

The time to act is now. A stronger, more food-secure Haiti begins with the choices we make today.

About the Haitian Development Network

The Haitian Development Network Foundation is a Utah-based nonprofit organization for Haiti, founded in 2023. Its mission is to improve the standard of living and well-being of Haitians everywhere through the production of knowledge and wealth. The Foundation envisions a Haiti that is food secure and self-reliant by 2035.

For more information, please visit hdn.org.

Media Contact:
Jacques Jonassaint
Phone: 202-913-6699
Email: [email protected]