Chalice’s site directors are passionate about uplifting their communities and keeping families healthy. Our Chiclayo site worker who organizes the nutrition program, Ludi, says “by empowering families, we empower future generations.” Families near our Chiclayo site live in low-income neighbourhoods. They are more vulnerable to food insecurity because they do not have the financial resources to cover their basic needs.
The site staff knew implementing weekday meals with nutrition education for their community would make a positive difference. By providing healthy eating habits and workshops, they would be able to improve the health of 80 children and teens in Peru. “Nutrition education is key to the well-being of communities,” says Ludi. However, they didn’t have the funds to provide this program in the past.
Thanks to Chalice Lunch Buddies, who donate monthly to Ladles & Love nutrition program, our nutrition programs across our sites are being supported. Once Chiclayo’s meal program and workshop were in full swing, it quickly demonstrated its positive impact.
Site staff worked above and beyond to help the community even further. They ran workshops, talks, and educational activities.
Children and their families participated in the workshop: “Learning to Prepare Healthy Snacks,” led by nutritionist Carmen. “The parents learned culinary skills to prepare nutritious and delicious options for their little ones during the school year,” says Ludi.
“Mothers are the primary caregivers for their families’ diets,” says Carmen, “so it is essential that they have the tools and knowledge they need to make healthy choices.”
“During the workshop, mothers had the opportunity to learn about the importance of a balanced diet and the selection of fresh, seasonal ingredients,” says Ludi. “They were provided with practical and easy-to-follow recipes to prepare healthy snacks for different times of the day, such as fruits with yogurt, vegetable-based foods, and nutritious juices.”
The mothers enjoyed the workshop and promised to utilize and share what they’d learned at home. “This workshop has been very useful for me,” says a mother named Cecilia. “I have learned new recipes and now I feel more confident in preparing healthy snacks for my daughters.”
Chiclayo’s nutrition program highlights the importance of nutrition education alongside the food itself.
Lunch Buddies fight hunger. These monthly donors continue to serve warm meals to more students and elders each day. Your generosity can help build stronger, healthier communities. Keep our sites filled with smiling faces and full stomachs!
Become a lunch buddy today and ladle up some love for someone in need.
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