NUTRITION PROJECT
The food and nutrition project was developed to help improve the diet and nutrition in remote communities, addressing malnutrition in children and overall poor health. The program began in 2006. It provides seeds and technical support for women to learn the basic techniques of planting and tending crops of vegetables to supplement their traditional diet of corn and beans. The resulting gardens not only provide vegetables for their own families but also for others in the communities. Participants receive training in preventive health care and the role of vegetables in good nutrition. The project currently serves over 70 poor households with children under six years old. The project teaches organic methods of fertilizing crops and controlling pests.
Results: Nutrition and health have improved dramatically for participating families and their neighbors! Parish clinic tests show children are gaining weight, malnutrition rates are declining. The 70 participating women may be feeding as many as 500 in their communities. Some participants with access to larger garden plots are able to produce excess vegetables that aree sold to improve their families’ finances.
Results: Nutrition and health have improved dramatically for participating families and their neighbors! Parish clinic tests show children are gaining weight, malnutrition rates are declining. The 70 participating women may be feeding as many as 500 in their communities. Some participants with access to larger garden plots are able to produce excess vegetables that aree sold to improve their families’ finances.
