Feeding Children and Families

Every morning, Berenice arrives at La Cocina de los Niños to prepare breakfast alongside other volunteer mothers. What began as a way to help provide meals for her children has also transformed her own life.
"Working here has taught me patience. It isn't always easy to work with people who have different ways of thinking and doing things, but we've learned to respect one another and work as a team," she shares.
As she serves breakfast, Berenice watches hundreds of children receive a nutritious meal that gives them the energy they need to start the day and stay focused in school. Among them are her own children.
Today, she proudly celebrates that her daughter has graduated from middle school and will continue on to high school, while her son has completed elementary school and is beginning his next chapter in middle school.
"For many people, it may seem like just another step. For me, it represents growth. I'm incredibly proud of both of them, especially because I never had the opportunity to start high school myself."
Berenice understands that a healthy breakfast can make a tremendous difference in a child's ability to learn.
"Many children arrive at school without having breakfast, and it's hard to concentrate on an empty stomach. School breakfast is extremely important—not only for my children, but for every child."
One of the moments that motivates her the most is when a student approaches her and simply says, "Thank you for the breakfast." Those few words remind her that every meal served represents an opportunity for a child to learn, grow, and continue pursuing an education.
To the donors who make this program possible through GlobalGiving, Berenice shares her heartfelt gratitude:
"Thank you for sharing your time and your generosity with all of us. Thank you because, even without knowing us personally, you choose to support our children and make this program possible."
Her greatest dream is to see her children earn a college degree, become responsible adults, and always hold on to the values they learned at home.
When she reflects on her own childhood, shaped by financial hardship and food insecurity, she fully understands the importance of receiving support at the right moment.
With a smile, she summarizes what Fundación Sarahuaro has meant to her family in one simple sentence:
"Sarahuaro is a springboard of opportunities. Thank you, Sarahuaro."
Stories like Berenice's demonstrate that a nutritious breakfast does more than fight hunger—it strengthens education, brings families together, and creates new opportunities to build a brighter future.