Moms and Toddlers

Every Tuesday and Thursday we invite the local moms and toddlers under the age of 6 to join us for lunch and a distribution of formula and encaperina (a soy based, vitamin enhanced drink). This is our most expensive program because each can of formula costs nearly $10 and we give a can to each child under 2 years of age. The kids between 2-6 receive a bag of encaperina which fortunately only costs about $1. We recently had the split the group, with half coming Tuesday and the other half coming Thursday. As it is, we have a hard time managing all the hungry people. Today 38 moms and over 70 kids showed up for food and formula. We distribute the formula and encaperina because so many of the mothers are so malnourished that they do not produce breast milk for their infants and there is no question we have saved countless lives. With the nutritious lunch we provide we have seen significant progress among the young children. As you can see in the photo, few are seriously malnourished now. The food always consists of a protein source with fresh vegetables and fruit to ensure they get at least one good shot of healthy food during the week. When we serve rice, it is always the more costly whole grain brown rice which is both filling and nourishing.

Immediately after taking the first photo it began to rain, like it does every day this time of year. The moms and toddlers scurried under cover and were with us most of the day because it just would not let up. 

When I tell you it rains here, you must understand that this is truly a monsoon. It just pours down and often roads close for long periods as entire mountains just slide over top of them.

Fed and happy, after a couple of hours, the rain slowed for a few minutes and everyone began the long walk home.