Feed Hungry Families in San Ramon, Costa Rica

Kids need food for a whole bunch of important reasons!

Young growing bodies need food to stay strong, provide mental and physical energy, and to help prevent and fight disease. In addition to providing good nutrition, being exposed to a variety of different types of food during childhood can encourage a lifelong enjoyment of food and the positive benefits that come with it. And who doesn’t remember with delight all those special treats and tastes associated with the holiday celebrations and special events of childhood.

The Hogarcito, the orphanage in San Ramon, is home to 18 children, ages 6 months -12, who have been orphaned or abandoned/surrendered by their families. As you can imagine, providing food and nutrition for 18 growing children is a challenge. While the Hogacito as a government-supported institution receives a budget for food, it covers pretty much the basics. As a result of the generosity of CAA members and friends, CAA has been able to provide a monthly financial donation that the staff uses to enhance their food budget. Some of that funding goes to increasing the number and variety of fruits and vegetables that the children get exposed to on a daily basis. Not only does that help the children stay healthy but it also helps them find new foods and tastes they enjoy and makes mealtime and snack time appealing and fun.

Some of the money is also used to support special food offerings at their regular monthly outings to various places. Recently the children and staff went to a nearby cabin for a morning of outdoor play and then to the beach to play in the sand, look for shells, and watch the sunset. Hamburgers, a special treat, and watermelon were on the menu and it was fun to eat outside. On another outing to into town, the children were each given a small amount of money, (1,000 colones or about $2 US), to spend on a treat for themselves. How exciting to be able to purchase their own ice cream or bag of snacks! Some of the children even saved part of their money to purchase a treat for a favorite staff member at the Hogarcito. How generous and sweet is that!

Without CAA’s help, the children at the Hogarcito would not be able to have the amount and variety of all the positive food experiences that they are getting. We, and they, are most grateful and thank all of you, our donors for your ongoing generosity and support to make sure food is both important and fun!