German pensioner Hans Feldmeier tested a tin of lard from a historic CARE Package
German pensioner Hans Feldmeier was very pleased to see the results of a food laboratory exam showing that a tin of lard from over 64 years ago was still edible today. The lard had been part of a CARE Package sent from the US, one of over 100 million packages that provided much-needed aid for war-torn Europe.
More than a million CARE packages were sent to Britain and distributed to families in need, widows, schools, orphanages and hospitals in the tough post-war years. They contained food supplies, such as corned beef, fruit preserves, milk powder and coffee, and later also included household items like carpentry tools, school supplies and medicines.
Dr Feldmeier was delighted to learn that CARE is still helping people today. “It was very encouraging to hear that CARE continues to provide aid for people in need and to know that the spirit of humanity that we have witnessed back in the days is still alive today. The modern CARE package might not contain lard anymore, but the message of hope and humanity remains the same”, beams the 87-year old Dr. Feldmeier.
CARE International was founded in 1945 as consortium of 22 American organizations to ease suffering and hunger in post-war Europe. CARE was named Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe and the organization’s package quickly became a symbol of hope and reconciliation. In later years, CARE’s name was changed to “Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere” and expanded its programmes of relief and development to other parts of the world.
In 1947, Princess Elizabeth, yet to be crowned wrote to CARE saying: “I thank you on behalf of the many widows and children in Great Britain to whom the food you are sending will bring a ray of sunshine during the coming Winter months.“
CARE International UK Chief Executive Geoffrey Dennis, said: “It’s amazing to think that over 60 years ago people in this country and all over Europe were receiving aid. We’re delighted Dr Feldmeier still had some of an original CARE package and that a tin of produce was edible. We aim for sustainable solutions to poverty now, but we never thought our original CARE packages would last for 64 years!
“In the lifetime of that small tin of food, the scope of CARE International’s work has evolved to offer long-term, sustainable solutions to poverty as well as emergency aid. Our origins are very important to us and while we have grown, our ethos – of helping people in need to fight poverty and live a life of dignity – has not changed at all.”
Today CARE works in over 80 countries around the globe, fighting poverty with over 1,000 projects that reach 122 million people. CARE’s work includes implementing long-term programs to fight poverty, responding to humanitarian emergencies, and advocating for policy change to improve the lives of the poorest people.
Of course, a modern CARE-Package does not contain lard, coffee and chocolate anymore: today, CARE’s relief items are purchased on the ground to support local markets and to ensure a fast response when a crisis strikes. The modern ‘CARE- Package’ also comes in various shapes and sizes: it provides access to better education, promotes sustainable agriculture and helps people to improve their household income through participation in village saving and loan groups.
The way in which aid is delivered may have changed but CARE continues to honour the long-standing tradition of the CARE package and continues to care for those most in need, regardless of their religious, ethnical or political affiliation.
