Feeding Centers
A Component of our Village Partnership Program
For many children, going to school boils down to a decision between eating and getting an education. Most families in the developing world depend on their children to help farm, find, or sell food. Often, if a child is not able to sufficiently work for his/her food, he/she does not receive any. Through our feeding centers (a component of our Village Partnership Program) Children of the Nations is partnering with families to help break the cycle of poverty and promote health and education by providing children enrolled in our school programs with 1 – 2 nutritious meals per day.
For some children, the food they get through one of our feeding centers is the only meal they will get all day, so nutrition is key. Our COTN–USA Resources Department supplies our feeding centers with meals packaged by volunteers and US staff at our meal packaging events. These nutritionally balanced, ready-to-cook meal packs consist of rice, protein-packed lentils, dehydrated vegetables, spices, and chicken powder. Sealed in industrial-grade plastic bags, the meals are waterproof and have a shelf life of seven years. Once in-country, cooks in our feeding centers customize these basic meals with traditional flavors and spices, supplementing with meat when available.
Malnourishment in developing nations is high, and the physical effects are obvious. But lack of nutrition also severely affects mental development and long-term learning ability. Malnutrition is known to stunt IQ up to 40 percent. It also affects attention span, concentration, and even vision. Children who have not eaten and have rumbling bellies are most likely preoccupied with hunger, which prevents them from doing their best in school.
Through our feeding centers, the children in our programs—perhaps for the first time—have the nutrients needed for healthy mental and physical development.
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