An Insider’s Look at ARK Solves’ Feed Back Program

This past April, our team had the incredible opportunity to travel to Bohol for an Insider Trip with Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK). Witnessing firsthand the transformative work of ARK Solves and experiencing their Feed Back Program in action was truly inspiring.

ARK co-invests alongside communities who want to solve food insecurity, health, income, and a create a sustainable future. Their proven approach, the Feed Back Program, is a 16-week market-driven initiative that empowers communities to achieve these goals:

• Sustainable backyards: Providing families with a sustainable source of food.
• New income sources: Generating income through the sale of surplus produce.
• Stronger communities: Building a sense of community through shared planning and implementation.
• Long-term self-sufficiency: Empowering communities to achieve self-reliance through locally produced food and potential new businesses. (Resource: https://good-search.org/about/en/project/ark/)

The ARK team, led by Ayesha Vera Yu, the visionary leader behind ARK, went above and beyond to weave us into the very fabric of the program during the Insider Trip. Witnessing Feed Back Program in action was eye-opening.  Language barriers melted away as we embraced Ayesha’s call for open hearts. We had the privilege of interacting with the amazing ARK Team, ARK Partners, and Feed Back partner communities and listening to their stories of overcoming hunger and building a future through this program.

Our experience wasn’t confined to meeting rooms. We ventured into the heart of the program – the communities themselves. In Cagawasan, a coastal village, we were inspired by the Barangay council’s unwavering commitment to the program (A barangay is the smallest unit of local government in the Philippines. It functions similarly to a village, district, or ward in other countries.) Despite political differences, they ensured it continued, reaching a record-breaking number of families in the latest wave.

Poblacion, another coastal community, impressed us with their resourcefulness. Frequent flooding didn’t stop them from growing vegetables. They got creative, and upcycled planters out of everything from fridge boxes to shoes, ensuring their produce stayed high and dry!

Beyond showcasing the program’s impact, the ARK team offered a glimpse into the beauty of Bohol. A boat ride along the stunning Inabanga coast provided a welcome change of pace, allowing us to connect with nature and appreciate the communities we were visiting.

On Day 2, we worked alongside community members to understand their challenges. Together, we exchanged ideas for solutions. It was inspiring to see their voices take center stage as we brainstormed ways to tackle their most pressing needs. This collaborative approach is what makes ARK’s work so impactful—communities are empowered to find solutions that work best for them.

The day’s learnings and immersion culminated in a delicious meal that brought everyone together. This community dinner, prepared especially for us, provided the perfect opportunity to share food, laughter, and stories with the people who inspire ARK’s work.

To date, ARK Solves has already secured food security for 19,000 families, impacting 138,000 lives. Feed Back Program is in 8 provinces in the Philippines, and 77 communities have implemented it.

The ARK Insider Trip left us forever changed. We brought back not just stories, but newfound connections and a deep respect for ARK’s impact that extends far beyond the numbers. ARK empowers communities to become beacons of self-sustainability, it’s about tapping into human connection and catalyzing a shift in behavior – a ripple effect that inspires others to follow suit. This is what truly sets them apart.

We’re planning more with the amazing ARK team, so get ready, B&P team, it’s your turn to be inspired!

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ARK’s innovative and sustainable practices have garnered recognition from the Asian Development Bank and other organizations. Furthermore, Ayesha Vera-Yu, the organization’s CEO and Co-Founder, has received numerous awards as a result of her leadership at ARK, including the prestigious Young Global Leader designation by the World Economic Forum.

We encourage you to learn more about ARK Solves’ work and find ways to support their mission. Visit their website here.