The objective of this program is to acquire proper attention and care to the food and nutrition of needy children, through advocacy and protection. Support will also be directed towards pregnant and breast-feeding mothers, advising the proper practices of weaning and supplying supplemental food to infants.

Fostering a healthy diet during pregnancy and breast-feeding, as well as during the first years of life, garners the essential means for the possibility of each to develop to his or her potential. As well, children who receive a healthy and stimulating beginning in life, which increases their intellectual, social and physical capabilities, have a much greater capacity to overcome poverty. Furthermore, by strengthening individual abilities, the stock of human capital within countries increases, promoting future economic growth.

Proper food and nutrition is of absolute importance for the elimination of infant mortality and the prevention of illness and disease. In developed countries, this area of research is very active, while in poor areas, particularly rural, political and financial difficulties impede the process, especially in Latin America, where social instability hinders the undertaking even more.

We will continue to raise public awareness among government departments (both nationally and regionally, where the programs take place) which are responsible for the standardization and conservation of the appropriate usage and consumption of breast-milk and baby food, as well as for the authorization and supervision of information regarding the diet of mothers and their children in all periods of development, stressing that the guidelines of governmental food policies be in accord with the directives and resolutions of the World Health Organization.

Recipients

Children, youth, and pregnant women who live in conditions of poverty and social crisis.

Objectives

Improve the food and nutrition of children, with emphasis on advocacy, protection and support during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Prenatal care and guidance for mothers about their diet and nutritional needs.

Develop social and educational support.

Encourage creativity, strengthen self-esteem and promote gender equality.

Educate for the promotion of healthcare and first aid and for the prevention of illness and disease.

Social integration and protection

Support to Community Kitchens and Food Resource Centers.

Provisions of food, clothing, and educational and instructional materials.

Arrange appropriate actions to assure that all pregnant women are informed about the importance of breast-feeding and its advantages for both mother and child.

Supply information to low-income mothers and young adults about prenatal care, breast-feeding, child and infant nutrition, diet, hygiene, and sexually transmitted diseases.

School support workshops for teachers on preventing school drop-outs and improving the quality of learning.

Organization of workshops: promoting healthcare, first aid, and disease prevention.

Social, educational and creative activities for the development of self-esteem and creativity.

Expansion and improvement of the infrastructure of community kitchens and shelters.

Support to communities for self-help initiatives in healthcare, education, and improving the conditions of poverty.

Time Table

The program will have a development to medium and long time limit, year after year the results obtained in the course of the same one will be analyzed to achieve a continuous evolution and growth

Location

Support to community kitchens, food resource centers, and nonprofit associations in Argentina, Bolivia, and Uruguay.

-HOGAR DE NIÑOS L.U.UME (La Unión Más Esperada). Buenos Aires, República Argentina.

- CORAZÓN VALIENTE. Buenos Aires, República Argentina.