Mary's Meals calls on parishes to host new film on powerful legacy of school meals in Malawi

Lettie and her young brother Anderson in 2012. Image by: Mary's Meals

Source: Mary's Meals

The story of an incredible young woman is at the heart of a new film released by school feeding charity Mary's Meals. Lettie, released earlier this month, revisits the story of a girl who featured in its 2012 award-winning documentary Child 31, highlighting her remarkable journey and the legacy of Mary's Meals' work over two decades in Malawi.

Mary's Meals, founded in a shed in the Scottish Highlands in 2002, provides nutritious meals to more than three million children in 16 countries, including Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, every school day. The promise of a daily meal encourages children into the classroom, where they gain an education and hope for a better tomorrow.

The charity, named after Mary, the mother of Jesus, is calling on churchgoers to host or attend a screening of its powerful new film to help spread awareness of its mission in Malawi and across the world. Lettie follows the story of Leticia (Lettie), who began receiving Mary's Meals in Malawi as a child. The film explores the long-term impact of the school feeding programme and the legacy created by a simple meal.

When Mary's Meals first met Lettie in 2012, she was just 12 years old. Following the death of her parents, she was out of school and caring for her younger brothers while facing severe hunger herself. Her childhood was defined by hunger, poverty, and responsibilities no child should face.

"I lost my parents when I was nine," Lettie recalls. "I was taking care of my young siblings whilst trying to be a child myself. Some days we went without food. Some nights we lay awake not knowing what we'd eat the next day."

More than a decade later, the film returns to her story to show where her life has taken her. Today, Lettie is an educated, working mother in Malawi, providing for her son, who is excelling in school. She is an inspiring example of what daily school meals can help make possible - not only reducing hunger at school, but helping to create the conditions for hope, opportunity, and lasting change that can carry forward into adulthood, family life, and the next generation. Lettie's connection to Mary's Meals has come full circle. She has worked for Mary's Meals Malawi since 2022, sharing the stories of children receiving school meals.

The charity is now encouraging church groups around the UK to help share Lettie's incredible story. Dan McNally, Head of England and Wales for Mary's Meals UK, says: "Lettie's story shows what a daily meal at school can help make possible, with an impact that reaches far beyond childhood. Seeing her now providing for her own son gives us so much to celebrate.

"Church communities across the UK have helped make stories like hers possible, and we are so grateful for their generosity, prayers and commitment over the years. We would love churches to bring people together to watch Lettie and see the difference their support can make. It doesn't need to be a big event. A small gathering can be a lovely way to share her story and inspire others to help more children receive a daily meal at school."

Lettie is just one example of the long-term impact school meals can have. But there are still millions of children struggling with hunger every day. It costs just 10p to provide a nutritious meal in a place of education, while only £19.15 provides meals for a child for a whole school year. Even the smallest donations can make a life-changing impact and allow a child to unlock their full potential.

If you're interested in attending or hosting a screening at your church, you can visit the charity's website. These screenings are the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and inspire others to get involved with the charity.

"I am a survivor - one of many children whose lives have been transformed by Mary's Meals," states Lettie. "Mary's Meals did not let me fall through the cracks. They gave me the courage to go back to school, to keep fighting."

For more information about Mary's Meals, please visit : www.marysmeals.org.uk. To host or attend a screening of Lettie, see: www.marysmeals.org.uk/our-story/books-and-films/lettie-film.

It costs just £19.15 to feed a child for a year with Mary's Meals. But a donation of any value can set a child up for life, with their success being the true legacy of your gift. The impact stretches far beyond meeting a hungry child's immediate need for food. The school meals programme strengthens communities, gives children the chance to gain an education, and brings hope for a better future.