HEALTHY NUTRITION FIRST THOUSAND DAYS

This report aims to present the progress achieved between April and August within the framework of the comprehensive care and nutritional support project for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, implemented by the Pan y Panela Foundation in partnership with the Ayudarte Foundation. During this period, activities corresponding to the project's initial implementation phase were carried out; these included identifying, recruiting, and registering beneficiaries, while verifying compliance with the established enrollment criteria and requirements. Additionally, information sessions were held to provide details on the project's objectives, the scope of services offered, participant commitments, and the intervention methodology guiding the scheduled activities. As part of the implemented actions, food packages were periodically distributed to the pregnant and breastfeeding mothers enrolled in the project, ensuring timely access to the nutritional support included in the comprehensive care strategy. Furthermore, initial screenings were conducted with the beneficiaries to establish a baseline for identifying their nutritional status, thereby facilitating ongoing monitoring and the implementation of support measures tailored to identified needs. Complementing these efforts, the interdisciplinary team conducted the first training and guidance workshops, covering topics such as maternal nutrition, physical and mental health, breastfeeding, and other subjects aimed at capacity building for the well-being of mothers and their children. The activities carried out between March and June demonstrate significant progress in project execution, strengthening care and support processes for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers facing socioeconomic vulnerability. Implementing these actions contributes to improving the beneficiaries' food security and nutritional status while fostering capacity building for maternal and child care, in alignment with the project's objectives and expected outcomes. The beneficiary group consists of 100 mothers participating in the comprehensive care and nutritional support project for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. They reside primarily in the El Ferry neighborhood of Barranquilla, as well as in nearby areas such as Brisas del Río, Pasadena, Primero de Mayo, and La Chinita. This group was selected based, among other factors, on its geographic proximity to the Pan y Panela Foundation facilities; this facilitates timely and safe access for the participants—and their children—to the project's activities, services, and benefits, thereby encouraging attendance and continuity throughout the project's implementation. The group of beneficiaries is currently classified as follows: - 34 mothers are pregnant - 66 mothers are breastfeeding Additionally, the group presents the following demographic characteristics: - 13 mothers are minors (17 years of age or younger) - 61 mothers are in the 18–25 age range - 26 mothers are 26 years of age or older During the period in question, four (4) food package distribution sessions were held for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers participating in the project, with one distribution taking place each month in accordance with the established schedule. Each package was distributed at the Pan y Panela Foundation facilities, ensuring appropriate conditions for both distribution and receipt by the beneficiaries. At each session, the project team provided guidance on the package contents and recommendations for making the best use of the food at home, promoting proper consumption based on the nutritional needs of the pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and their children. The food packages consisted of basic staples, including milk, grains, rice, flour, panela (unrefined cane sugar), oats, pasta, oil, tuna, sugar, salt, and eggs. However, beneficiaries were informed that the composition of these packages might vary during the course of the project, depending on food availability and the nutritional needs identified within the target population. The educational sessions conducted served as a fundamental strategy for promoting the holistic well-being of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Through training sessions focused on nutrition, physical health, and psychosocial support, participants gained knowledge and practical tools to improve the quality of life for both themselves and their children. These sessions encouraged the adoption of healthy eating habits while strengthening emotional self-care and physical well-being during a critical period for maternal health and proper child growth and development. In this regard, these educational activities stand as an essential component of the project, combining technical guidance with close support to foster a more informed, healthy, and conscious approach to motherhood. The workshops conducted are outlined below: • Healthcare pathways and service access This topic aimed to enhance the knowledge of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers regarding available health services and the mechanisms for accessing them in a timely manner. Information was shared on the importance of understanding maternal and child healthcare pathways—including prenatal care, growth and development check-ups, and care during labor and the postpartum period—as well as the rights and responsibilities of users within the healthcare system, thereby promoting timely access to services and the continuity of comprehensive care. • Psychosocial Support Pathway The session focused on the "Psychosocial Support Pathway," aiming to guide pregnant and breastfeeding women regarding the care and protection mechanisms available for situations that might affect their well-being. Information was shared about the entities they can turn to in cases of abuse or violence, or when professional support is needed—including the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF), the Attorney General's Office, the National Police, and healthcare providers—while emphasizing the importance of accessing these services in a timely manner. Using a participatory methodology, the session encouraged the analysis of everyday situations that can impact emotional well-being during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This fostered reflection, the sharing of experiences, and the recognition of warning signs requiring specialized attention. The session provided an opportunity to address questions and strengthen the participants' ability to identify available support pathways and exercise their rights in an informed manner. As a practical activity, participants engaged in a case-analysis exercise where they identified the appropriate entity or institution to provide care for various scenarios. This helped reinforce their understanding of the psychosocial support pathway and the importance of timely access to protection and support services.

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