Healing Lives, Feeding Hope: The Story Behind Heal and Feed Life Care Foundation

“NGOs are the conscience of the world.” – Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa

These thoughts echoed in my mind for years before I finally took action and established this foundation. Every day, millions endure hunger, inadequate healthcare, and neglect, while others live in overwhelming abundance. While it may not be easy—especially for those with wealth—to step into the streets and directly assist those in need, my team and I chose to bridge that gap. We became a conduit for support, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most.

Adekunle Olumide Ralphie, a seasoned entrepreneur, technologist, and humanitarian, founded Heal and Feed Life Care Foundation on November 26, 2024, driven by a simple yet profound belief: no one should suffer due to a lack of food, healthcare, or dignity.

In an exclusive conversation with Derniercri Magazine, Olumide shared his inspiration, challenges, and vision for the foundation, revealing a journey fueled by compassion, resilience, and a commitment to rewriting Africa’s humanitarian narrative.

A Vision Born from the Streets

For Olumide, the idea for Heal and Feed was not sparked in a boardroom but in the harsh realities he witnessed firsthand.

“I would walk through communities and see people struggling for what should be basic necessities—food, healthcare, and shelter. Many of them were not lazy or unwilling to work; they simply didn’t have access to the resources they needed. It became impossible for me to look away,” he recounted.

Beyond human suffering, he also became acutely aware of the neglect and mistreatment of animals, which led to the foundation’s partnership with the Animal Protection Organization of Nigeria (APON), founded by Ambassador Joseph Odika. Through this collaboration, Heal and Feed extends its mission to animal care, ensuring that no life—human or animal—is left behind.

A Mission Rooted in Action

Unlike many organizations that begin with external funding, Heal and Feed Life Care Foundation has been fully financed by Olumide’s personal savings since its inception.

“So far, we have not received any grants or major donations. Every project we have executed—feeding programs, medical aid, and social empowerment—has come from my own resources. But I believe that when the cause is right, support will come,” he said.

Despite financial constraints, the foundation has already made tangible impacts, with initiatives such as:

• The “Feed a Family” Campaign, which provides food to underserved communities.
• Medical Outreach Programs, offering free healthcare services.
• The Animal Welfare Program, in collaboration with APON.
• Environmental and Sustainability Projects, including tree planting and regenerative agriculture.

Upcoming Projects and Long-Term Goals

Looking ahead, Heal and Feed Life Care Foundation is launching three major projects designed to create long-term impact:

1. Grow and Give Project – Empowering communities to grow their own food, ensuring sustainable nutrition.
2. Girls Got Goals Project – Providing education, mentorship, and vocational training for young girls.
3. I’m the Future Project – Equipping African youth with leadership and entrepreneurship skills to shape a brighter future.

“Our goal is not just to provide relief, but to create self-sustaining communities where people can thrive on their own,” Olumide emphasized.

Challenges and the Power of Persistence

Running a foundation without external funding has been challenging, but Olumide remains undeterred.

“The biggest challenge is funding, but that has never been an excuse to stop. Every little effort counts. We work with volunteers, and we stretch every resource as far as possible to reach more people,” he explained.

Beyond financial struggles, logistics in reaching remote communities and ensuring sustainable solutions remain ongoing obstacles. However, he believes that collaboration, innovation, and persistence will drive the foundation toward greater success.

A Call to Action: How You Can Help

Despite the challenges, Olumide is hopeful. His message to the world is simple: healing and feeding lives is a collective responsibility.

“If you believe in a world where no one has to suffer from hunger or neglect, then join us. Every meal given, every medical aid provided, and every animal rescued is because someone chose to care,” he said.

Heal and Feed Life Care Foundation welcomes support in the form of donations, volunteer work, and partnerships with organizations that share their vision.

“Together, we can create a world where compassion leads, dignity is restored, and no one is left behind,” Olumide concluded.