Feeding initiative program changing kids’ lives
Convoy of Hope daily provides nutritious food to more
than 18,000 children in need.
By Emily Trammell
Convoy of Hope is bringing hope in the form of food to more than 18,000 children every day in Haiti, Kenya, Nicaragua and El Salvador through its feeding initiative program.
Through the program, Convoy of Hope feeds malnourished children while introducing their families to basic healthcare and nutrition concepts that can be life changing. The program first launched as a pilot project in Nicaragua and was so successful that it expanded to three select private schools in El Salvador in March 2007.
“For many of these children, this will be their only substantial meal for the day,” says Hal Donaldson, president of Convoy of Hope.
Donaldson notes that with the help of corporate, government and private donors, the feeding initiative targets children in private schools because many are too poor to afford the cost of uniforms, supplies and fees to attend the “free” public schools.
In addition to nutritious food, children also receive daily vitamins, anti-parasite medicine, basic medical oversight, school supplies, water purification and nutrition education for themselves and their parents. Because of the initiatives students have seen significant improvements in their height, weight and grade point averages.
“We believe we have a viable solution for chronic malnutrition through better diet and health practices,” adds Donaldson. “Combined with education and community support, this will help to end the cycle of poverty for many of these children.”
Teachers, parents and students in El Salvador concur.
“We were only a couple of months into the program when we noticed the children were so active and energetic that the teachers were totally exhausted at the end of the school day,” says one educator.
“I know that God will repay those who are making it possible,” says a mother whose children benefit from the initiative. “One of my children was in a serious stage of undernourishment — he didn’t eat much, but now he does.”
A local physician noted, “Parents have noticed their children are outgrowing their clothes and shoes. They do not get sick as often as they used to, therefore their medical expenses have diminished and their GPAs have improved.”
To learn more about Convoy of Hope visit its photo gallery in the Exhibit Hall or go online at www.convoyofhope.org.