Create Hope: Feeding Coastal Families in Ecuador

In the Parish of Manglaralto, 33% of children under two suffer from chronic childhood malnutrition, a statistic that guides how we focus our food bank efforts. Our priority remains supporting families with pregnant mothers, babies, and young children who are most at risk. 

Recently, we received an updated list from the health department identifying 31 new babies who fall under the category of malnourished. In response, we are actively working to welcome these families into our food bank program, ensuring they receive consistent access to nutritious food during these critical early months of life. 

Families enrolled in our food bank receive nutritious foods every two weeks, carefully selected to support child growth and development. Beyond distribution, we ask families to report back to us with photos and messages showing how their children are eating. These check-ins help us stay connected, accountable, and encouraged-and they show us that children are eating well and families are making the most of the support. 

One moment that especially stayed with us this month: a young girl received her very first fresh apple through our food bank. Apples are not grown locally and must be imported, which makes them more expensive and out of reach for many families. For this child, something so simple was completely new- a small but powerful reminder that food access is about dignity, nutrition, and new experiences, not just calories. 

Together, we are turning alarming statistics into real stories of nourishment, dignity, and hope for the youngest member of our community.