Feed Hungry Families in San Ramon, Costa Rica

The Hogarcito, located in the Santiago District of San Ramon is home to 20 children, ages 1-12 who have been orphaned or have been surrendered to the State by their families. As a public institution, the Hogarcito receives the majority of its funding from the government, though it must also rely on donations and fundraising activities to adequately round out its budget. Recognizing the challenge that even small families have in meeting the nutritional needs of growing children, it became obvious to the  Community Action Alliance (CAA) that providing healthy and nutritious food to 20 growing children was a gigantic challenge. Consequently, thanks to the ongoing responsiveness of CAA members and friends to our Feeding Hungry Families project, CAA is now able offer a substantial monthly financial contribution to supplement Hogarcito’s food budget.

As a result of CAA’s assistance, the staff has been able to provide a greater quantity and wider variety of fruits and vegetables for the children to experience and enjoy. In Costa Rica, all kinds of tropical fruits are plentiful and it is fun for the children to be able to sample as many as possible and find their favorites. In addition to the regular food that the children might consume on a daily basis, CAA’s assistance has enabled the staff to provide some special treats like hot dogs and other speciality picnic foods on a recent outing.

Recently CAA volunteers and a visiting group of US high school students and their chaperones helped Hogarcito children connect with where food comes from. The group prepared a garden plot where corn is to be grown, planted a citrus tree, and fashioned some hanging gardens where cilantro, mint and other herbs were started. The children can be involved with the care of the food as it grows and ultimately be proud of their part in the process when things are ready to be harvested and enjoyed!

We at CAA express our most heartfelt gratitude and thanks to you our donors, whose generosity and commitment is allowing us make a positive difference in the lives of these young children in our community.