The results are profound -- one of every two Guatemalan children under age 5 suffers from chronic malnutrition. The rates are even higher in indigenous communities, where close to 70% of children are malnourished (WFP).
And malnutrition affects all areas of a child’s development -- leading to permanent growth deficits (stunting) and severely impeding a student’s ability to concentrate and excel in school (Dewey & Begum). Without the resources and knowledge to improve nutrition, the cycle of chronic malnutrition continues.
“I loved the cooking workshop, and I think it’s a great idea. The other moms and I all learned something new, and now I know how to use vegetables like Swiss chard and zucchini, and how to use these foods to keep my family and me healthy.”
With Pueblo a Pueblo’s School Health and Nutrition program, we are equipping communities with the tools for good nutrition and empowering them to break the cycle of chronic malnutrition.