Sustainable Nutrition for 823+ Families in Peru

Imagine that you were Maria…Trying to raise a family in a country battling anemia. Difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and dizziness are only a few of the symptoms anemic children struggle with. It would be absolutely terrifying to be a mother in these circumstances where the threat is so high and resources for relief are so low.

In underdeveloped countries such as Peru, malnutrition and anemia are a constant threat to the quality of life and nutritional well being of children. Effects of anemia lead to poor educational performance and prevention of normal physical growth. 

Thousands of mothers just like Maria are in a continuous fight to help their children battle these effects and grow up to live healthy lives, but they need help and can’t do it on their own….

Luckily they don’t have to. 

 As of 2021 eight communities in the District of La Arena have partnered with CHOICE Humanitarian to find solutions to this devastating challenge. 

Leaders in this district have chosen to specifically focus on improving the quality of life for pregnant mothers and children under the age of 5. This process has involved the development and implementation of health, nutritional and agricultural practices.

CHOICE has made it a priority to mentor this district by holding nutrition classes to instruct the mothers on the importance of iron specific foods to combat anemia. In addition classes have included creative ideas on how mothers can incentivise their children to eat these prepared foods. 

In order for families to have better access to these foods, the CHOICE team has introduced family gardens and chicken raising. Families are mentored on how to prepare the land, raise the food, and prepare nutritious meals. They are able to grow their own food and not buy it with their meager financial resources. 

Considerable progress has been made in creating healthy consumption habits in the families and communities involved. Anemia and malnutrition rates have been significantly reduced. 

At the commencement of this initiative malnutrition rates were at 22.8% now they have been reduced to 12.1%. 1016 children under the age of 5 have been cared for.

Lives are being prolonged and enriched through these efforts and every available hand is needed to help lift this community out of the pit of poverty.

Please join our team and help make a difference!