By JR Hodges | Communications Director
The hunger problem in Guatemala continues to get worse. Rising costs of food, fuel, and fertilizers are driving basic expenses beyond the reach of most families; some 4.6 million Guatemalans cannot access enough food. More than 40 percent of children in the regions where we work are suffering from acute malnutrition, according to a report published August 17 in Prensa Libre, one of Guatemala’s major newspapers.
In the past, most of the children we care for have had chronic rather than acute malnutrition. While chronic malnutrition is a significant concern, as it can limit brain development and have lifelong consequences for a child’s health, education, and future prospects, acute malnutrition is life-threatening.
Our nutrition technicians are in the field doing everything they can to help mothers find ways to keep their babies fed and healthy. They offer one-on-one counseling for mothers and develop personalized plans for each child.
After receiving feedback from mothers, technicians are now using common household items such as mugs, bowls, and different sized fruits to show recommended portion sizes in relatable terms. This is just one example of the importance of partnering with families to achieve the best possible results.
We cannot thank you enough for helping to build a better future for the children of rural Guatemala in this critical time!
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