Children of Peace needs your support to reinstate the hot lunch program for traumatized children at a center in Bethlehem. Our organization supports children and families regardless of race, religion or cultural background who have been traumatized by war or abuse. Children in the area suffer from vitamin and iron deficiencies resulting in vision problems and anemia. Funding our project will provide hot meals for all the children for one year and nutritional training/support for their families.
A center that serves traumatized children in Bethlehem recently had their hot lunch program cancelled due to a lack of funding. These children come from orphanages, refugee camps, and homes in the area and they suffer from the stress of living in a region of war and conflict. Studies say that children in this area are prone to deficiencies in vitamin A, B12 and iron resulting in vision problems, anemia, and other health-related issues. The benefits of healthy dieting are not widely recognized.
This project will supply at least one healthy meal each day for all the children at the center, provide funding for a nutritionist to plan and prepare the meals each week for one year, provide training for the children and their families to learn the benefits of a healthy diet and how to prepare these meals on a regular basis. The center is already in contact with a local dietician and pediatrician, but can not fund their services when in need. This project will supply the necessary funds.
Healthy dieting combats malnourishment, promotes good brain development and gives the children a better chance to perform well in school. Depression and anxiety related to anemia could also be reduced. If the children's health improves, our belief is that good habits taught at the school will spread to the community and, over time, to other areas in Palestine. Ultimately, we aim to serve as a model for similar schools in the region, sharing the benefits of healthy living and eating well.
