Scotsman was at a pub in 1992 when he got the idea to help victims in war - torn areas . A trip to deliver food , clothing and shelter led to a life 's work of helping others . After working in Malawi in 1994 , Magnus MacFarlane - Smith founded Mary 's Meals . Today , the charity provides free meals to more than 400,000 children in 40 countries .
Scotsman was at a pub in 1992 when he got the idea to help victims in war-torn Bosnia . A trip to deliver food , clothing and blankets led to a life 's work of helping others . After working in Malawi in 2002 , Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow started Mary 's Meals . Today , the program provides free meals to more than 400,000 children in 15 countries .