In 2021, we started a new nutrition project to battle malnutrition in children under age 3. Hens Hatching Hope has three goals: (1) support 27 women run micro-businesses within the beneficiary communities; (2) encourage mothers to bring their babies to the local health clinic for a monthly check-in; and (3) for provide families with a voucher for 30 free eggs per month when they attend their monthly check-in.
The children of Southern Intibuca, a place of unforgiving poverty and scarce opportunity, are literally wasting away. Shoulder to Shoulder's data reveal that almost 40% of children less than 5 years of age are stunted (this is a higher rate than Haiti). About half are anemic, 13% are underweight, and 3% are wasting. But the vacant, ghostlike expressions of desperate children tell the story better than statistics. These children need nutrients in order live a good life.
Eggs have been shown to be a cost-effective solution to fighting malnutrition in developing countries. But, the delivery of eggs is a challenge. Therefore, our project will find, and support, one woman in each community who has the desire to raise chickens and eggs. In Honduras, children 2 years of age and below are supposed to be brought to their local Health Center for a monthly weight/height check up. Mothers who come to these appointments will be given a ticket, to receive 30 free eggs.
This project is a WIN-WIN-WIN: ** The children receive needed nutrients through the daily eating of eggs. ** The women who raise the hens and eggs receive revenue from both Shoulder to Shoulder and local customers. ** The communities win because eggs are purchased locally, thus keeping money in southern Intibuca, where it is desperately needed.
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