$228 raised

In our child nutrition program, we work with mothers of children that are underweight or stunting, which effects about 25% of children under 5 in Anconcito. The moms in the program first complete an 8-week course taught by our staff nutritionist, where topics include everything from nutrition for pregnant mothers and infants to healthy school snacks and food safety. Upon graduating from the class, participants attend monthly follow-up meetings with our nutritionist and volunteers to check on their children’s growth and to provide individual support to each family, including vitamins and food donations, with the goal of each child reaching a healthy height and weight to graduate from the program.

Despite the nutritional counseling, we have found that many families struggle to break out the cycle of malnutrition due to undiagnosed anemia, which can lower appetite and reduce the child’s ability to fight infections. In order to realize anemia screenings, we are looking to purchase a portable hemoglobin meter and test strips, which would allow children with anemia to get the treatment they need to reach their growth goals!