Samaritan's Purse, a disaster partner of Hope Crisis Response Network, has more than 80 staff members on the ground working in Haiti at this time.  The following information comes from their most recent daily report of the situation in Haiti.

FIrst some background, with the planting season just one month away, long-term food security is a great concern. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization has stated that the key to averting a food crisis is to make sure that people are able to get their crops planted. More than 40% of Haiti’s food is grown domestically.

Emergency food also continues to be a critical need. One-quarter of Haiti’s children were malnourished before the earthquake, and 2.8 million were affected by chronic hunger. Although some small markets have opened, food prices are greatly inflated.

Medical facilities are reporting an increase in cases of tetanus, measles, and chicken pox, and there is a growing diarrhea problem.

Samaritan's Purse is handing out plastic for shelter, blankets and food to survivors of the quake who are leaving Port-au-Prince and heading to other cities within the country.  They are providing food to 43 orphanages and have installed latrines and community water filters from their base in Leogane.

We have completed three distributions in Cite Soleil. The distributions take place on the grounds of our church partner, and the 82nd Airborne is providing security. In three days, we delivered 126 tons of food to 6,700 families.

Please pray for the following needs:

• That there would not be an outbreak of epidemic disease.

    •    For survivors as they mourn the loss of their loved ones.

    •    For our team’s physical, mental, and emotional welfare as they face many challenges through the days.

    •    For wisdom in determining the most effective response to this disaster.

Hope Crisis Response Network, providing hope in times of great need.