Seeds of hope planted in Ukraine

A simple box of seeds is helping to transform the lives of impoverished Ukrainians.

Mission Without Borders (MWB) has been planting seeds of hope in the country, where around three in 10 people live in desperate poverty.

It has supplied thousands of families across Eastern Europe with boxes of seeds to plant their own vegetable patches.

In addition to the seeds, the charity provides tools and educates the families on food growing.

The small crops then help to ensure they have enough food to eat.

This spring, MWB is distributing kits to 437 destitute families in the Ukraine.

It hopes the families will be released from hunger and poverty into a more sustainable lifestyle.

David Hardisty, MWB's UK director explained: “A simple box of seeds can make a big difference to a family living in poverty.

"We buy the seeds locally and show the families how to plant and care for the vegetables.

"It's great to see families working and learning together to grow their own food, and it can transform their lives. Each box only costs £15, but it makes a massive difference.

“Few of these families will be going anywhere near the stadiums where football matches will be played this summer, but we are working with them on even more important goals."

One recipent of the seeds said: “The seeds were an extra expense for us that we simply could not afford. I was forced to feed my baby on sugar-water. But now I have enough food for all my children – we are all becoming so much stronger and healthier. We are so grateful for this change!”