Nourish a young brain, protect one ancient culture

Challenge

A child's brain is developed in the first 1000 days of life, if the child is affected by malnutrition the brain suffers an irreversible damage and can be considered a brain lost. In Mexico, the municipalities of Bolanos and Mezquitic were considered the poorest for several years; it brought chronical cases of malnutrition in children that are leading to families migrating to the cities in the search of better opportunities and, in the end, to the loss of their cultural baggage.

Solution

We provide the nutritional complement NutriONI which, for several years has helped children in Guadalajara overcome malnutrition. NutriONI, was modified to match the culinary traditions of the Wixarika people so the children can be nourished respecting their traditions. Monthly, we weight and size the children to measure their improvement and culinary workshops are given to the moms so they can learn to cook with local low cost ingredients; also every 6 months we bring attention towards anemia.

Long-Term Impact

With this project we will guarantee the food security and anemia treatment for the Wixarika children, providing them with NutriONI until they are out of risk, while we teach their moms how to prevent malnutrition and its consequences. With that goal in mind we will be able to avoid hunger and, with it, reduce the migration and prevent the culture loss the Wixarika people are facing. As our project reaches the funding goal, it will be increased to get to more children, right now we attend 150.

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources