On a recent trip to Haiti, I traveled to a village called Manneville. The poverty there was extreme.
Large families were living in shacks that a strong summer storm could easily destroy. I visited with many families, but there was one that left a lasting mark on my heart.
I met Marie there, an older widow who lived there with her eight children, two grandchildren and her older daughter who was pregnant with her third little one. The tiny hovel they called “home” was in terrible condition – dirt floor, mud walls, minimal ventilation and a rusted metal roof with numerous holes which makes it impossible to find a dry spot whenever it rains. There was no food in the house – none at all.
My heart broke as she spoke.
She said: “My burden is too large,” as tears rolled down her face, “If I only had one child, I could go to my neighbors and beg for a cup of rice. But how could I ask my neighbors, who are also poor, to help me with so many children. I can only turn to God. My burden is too large…”
You can help bring reliefand solace to women and their children whose burdens are overwhelming. I know God will bless you abundantly for that.
WATCH BEYOND THE PLATE EPISODES LIVE IN OUR STUDIO
Join Paul and Danny live in the studio for Season 2 of Beyond the Plate as they engage in thought-provoking conversations with a powerful lineup of guests. From Barron Segar, CEO of World Food Program USA, and Monica Majors of World Central Kitchen, to Steve Urchin, manager of Sean Paul, and global music icon Shaggy, each episode dives deep into stories that go far beyond feeding the hungry. This season shines a light on thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are breaking the cycle of poverty and driving lasting impact through compassion and creativity.
You'll also hear inspiring perspectives from Cedella Marley, daughter of the legendary Bob Marley, Christian singer Blanca, and beloved Hispanic star Angélica Vale, as they share how uniting communities through sustainable development can create meaningful, long-term change. Tune in for powerful stories of hope, resilience, and real solutions that uplift lives and nourish the soul.
Why Support our new Pilot Initiative
A Mercado Global handbag isn’t just an accessory—it’s a meaningful gift that represents hope and resilience. When you shop on our website you're making the statement that poverty isn't inevitable.
Every purchase helps create a stable economic environment within impoverished communities, which can lead to food security and reduce dependency on aid. It’s an investment in breaking the cycle of poverty through fair trade practices that uplift entire communities.
Each handbag is a unique piece of art, handcrafted by skilled artisans who draw on traditional techniques passed down through generations. This supports cultural preservation while giving artisans a source of pride and financial independence.
Flora Petite Crossbody in Turf Moss
The Flora Petite Tote is a square silhouette trimmed with leather piping and paired with structured leather handles. The detachable leather strap means you can carry it comfortably over your shoulder or remove it to wear in hand for an on-trend look.
The Flora Petite Tote features a square silhouette trimmed with leather piping and paired with structured leather handles. The detachable leather strap means you can carry it comfortably over your shoulder or can be removed to wear in hand for an on-trend look.
Featuring a leather wristlet and zipper pull, our Mini Lily conveniently and stylishly stores your essentials. Keep in your handbag as an organizer and remove for a chic night look!
Handbags are ethically crafted, prioritizing fair labor practices and sustainable production. With each purchase, you’re helping prove that we can tackle poverty through sustainable community development.
Buying a Mercado Global handbag provides sustainable income for artisans in marginalized communities, directly helping them support their families. By working part-time, artisans can make up to $8 a day, which is enough to lift themselves out of poverty over the course of a few months of engagement.
By shopping with us, you’re supporting a test initiative designed to demonstrate that we can build a sustainable, closed-loop system between our micro-enterprise programs and an online marketplace. If the test is sucessful we'll be able to scale up our programs.
Click any flag to see how we serve those in extreme poverty in that country
