Nutrition
Access to healthy, nutritious food plays a critical role in a student’s ability to learn and thrive. In Guatemala, nearly one in two children experiences chronic malnutrition, one of the highest rates in the world. This can affect physical growth, concentration, and long-term development.
At the School of Hope, we provide two balanced meals each day, which are often the most reliable source of nutrition for our students. We also partner with families through workshops that focus on preparing affordable, nourishing meals at home.
Our school chef prepares food that is both nutritious and enjoyable, helping ensure students have the energy they need throughout the day. During times of crisis, including the pandemic, we have also provided food hampers to families. This support continues to be an important resource when families face ongoing economic challenges.
For many children, the school meals will be the only food they eat all day.
Our students receive two meals each day and for many it will be the only food they eat that day. We have a school chef whose menu focuses on both flavor and nutritional value.
During the pandemic, our school kitchen had to close and we shifted our efforts to distributing food hampers. These provided vital food and in-person contact to hundreds of our families. Today, our Nutrition Program continues to be a regular lifeline when economic hardship strikes.
“Some of them come up to me and ask what we’re going to have for breakfast tomorrow. You would think they had already eaten something at home, but unfortunately they don’t. The first thing we give them here is the first thing they will have all day.”
Nutrition Support
Why not forgo a take-out one night and make a month's worth of difference to one of our students?
“My favourite time of the day is when we get our food and drink.”
— Rene, 1st grade.