Food Security Guatemala Project #13523

Empower Guatemalan Families With Food & Nutrition

by Seeds for a Future

Summary

Malnutrition and food insecurity are formidable obstacles to rural development. Our 'backyard farm' program mobilizes sustainable agriculture to promote holistic health and self-reliance among rural Guatemalan families, and is clinically-proven to improve the nutritional status of mothers and children. By providing families with comprehensive tools and education around home gardening and household nutrition, our integrated approach has already transformed the lives of more than 2,100 families!

$60,000
total goal

$20,531
remaining

288
donors

2
monthly donors

2
fundraisers

10
years

Challenge

In Guatemala, malnutrition affects 47% of children under the age of 5 and up to 70% of children in indigenous communities. Limited access to education, climate change, and the pandemic have all worsened conditions in rural areas. These high levels of chronic malnutrition have detrimental and irreversible effects on the mental and physical development of children, and further perpetuate the cycle of poverty.

Solution

The Casa Granja or 'backyard farm' program seeks to transform family nutrition through the principles of regenerative agriculture. Families receive equipment, education, and 1:1 support to build and maintain organic home gardens with nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens. Our team of local leaders provides further training in kitchen hygiene and keeping small animal protein. This holistic, embedded approach is time-tested and puts home-grown food on families' tables every day!

Long-Term Impact

Access to nutritious food has far-reaching implications for the health and wellbeing of rural families, and for the development Guatemalan society at large. In 10 years of operation, we can now see improved family nutrition after the very first harvest. We see a notable increase in feelings of confidence and self-respect after 3 months, and after 6 months, families may be able to generate household income by selling surplus at market. With resources and self-reliance, the sky is the limit.