Gourmandia Launches the Passport Gourmandia to Support CARE's Children's Health Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Gourmandia, an online source for culinary experiences and products, today announced a partnership with the international poverty-fighting organization CARE, to help raise awareness and support for women and girls who make up 70 percent of the world's poorest people. In summer 2008, Gourmandia will begin offering the Passport Gourmandia, with 20 percent from the purchase of each Passport benefiting CARE's work in over 65 developing countries.

"The project involves the participation of some of the best restaurants from all over the world, and combines epicurean excellence with a program for culinary philanthropy," says Gourmandia President Ray Kuate. Passports will be sold in over 15 countries, allowing their holders to enjoy a free meal for a guest at partner restaurants three times per year. Holders can choose from over 215 establishments, most of which are Michelin rated.

Gourmandia's partnership with CARE comes at a critical time. Today, 70 million primary school-age children are not in school; 60 percent are girls. Of those living in extreme poverty (living on the equivalent of less than $1 a day), the majority are women and girls. Poverty is not only disabling and marginalizing, it can be deadly. Each year, more than 500,000 women die from pregnancy-related causes.

"Despite the overwhelming nature of the problem, at CARE we know that global poverty can be overcome, and that women and girls are an essential part of the answer," said Dr. Helene Gayle, President & CEO of CARE. "It is creative partnerships, like the Passport Gourmandia, that introduce more people to CARE's work, and invite them to be part of the solution."

"As I researched the many stories of the personal lives that have been transformed through CARE's work with children and women around the world, I was genuinely moved by the sincerity of their mission and the similarity of their beliefs to ours," adds Kuate.

About CARE: CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. Last year, CARE programs improved the lives of more than 65 million people in over 65 countries. Recognizing that women suffer disproportionately from poverty, CARE places special emphasis on working with women to create permanent social change. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives. For more information, please visit www.care.org.