Dear Founding Families and friends,
Transforming Futures consistently serves over 350 Guatemalan children with one meal per day. Foods served include chicken, pork, beef, white rice, black beans, and more. The food contains essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, and iodine.Since the beginning of the spread of COVID-19 we now provide food to more children and families, Here are some of the stories of families we support:
ANDREA PATRICIA
PERSONAL TESTIMONY
Andrea and her husband have 3 daughters, Tatiana, Elizabeth, and Brenda. Two of them are currently in school.
Andrea and her family used to rent a room somewhere else in Guatemala City. She was informed about a new community that was being established in the garbage dump, moved there, and has lived there for 10 years.
What do you and your husband do for work?
Andrea used to work at the garbage dump with her husband, but suffered an injury that prevents her from working.
“You can make anything from $3 to $10 in one day.” Work hours are usually 7am to 5pm.
How is your access to food?
Andrea and her husband utilize one income to provide breakfast and dinner for their family. Transforming Futures’ feeding centers has provided a reliable meal for their children every day for the past 7 years. Andrea states, “this is the only place where we received food”, and without the feeding centers, “my daughters wouldn’t have lunch”.
How has the feeding center impacted your daughters’ lives?
“Thanks to the feeding center my daughters have been able to eat every day and it has allowed them to focus on school.”
What is your hope for your daughters’ lives?
“I hope they follow God and place Him as a priority in their lives, and also that they can get a better education than me and my husband so that they can have a better future.”
BLANCA LOPEZ
PERSONAL TESTIMONY
Blanca Lopez is a single mother in Guatemala.
She takes care of her 4 children, 2 grandchildren, and 3 other children.
What do you do for work?
Blanca has worked in the garbage dump ever since she was 7 years old, collecting food and recyclable materials, such as aluminum, glass, and paper.
She sells the materials to companies for money, making about $20 every 15 days.
How long have you been going to the feeding center?
Blanca and her family have been utilizing the feeding center for almost 8 years.
“It has been so much help because our incomes vary a lot from one day to another. I think it has been a blessing for our children. I have had so many difficulties that I don’t know what I would do if the feeding center wasn’t there making sure my family eats every day, thanks to the support of Transforming Futures and Pastora Mercedes”.
Have you noticed any change in your children from eating at the feeding center?
Blanca, as well as her kids’ teachers have noticed the children have more energy.
She states, “They [the teachers] have also told me that they are gaining weight, and I think that’s great.”
Is there anything you would like to add?
“God bless all the people that have donated to Transforming Futures because my children have received a lot of benefits from it, especially performing better at school and with more energy. I am also thankful to God for placing such great support of the feeding center in this community and for Pastora Mercedes.”
CHRONIC MALNUTRITION STATISTICS OF GUATEMALA
Almost 50% percent of Guatemalan children suffer from chronic malnutrition.
Guatemala ranks 6th worldwide for those suffering from chronic malnutrition, with nearly 1/2 of those affected being children under 5 years old.
Malnutrition in poverty-stricken countries often results from a combination of lack of food and micronutrient deficiencies.
EFFECTS OF CHRONIC MALNUTRITION
Malnourished children have diminished moods and decreased happy moments compared to nourished children.1
Chronic malnutrition results in the appearance of growth stunting and leads to negative structural and functional changes in the brain, which can cause diminished cognitive abilities in children.2
Growth stunting is correlated to many health complications, including death at a younger age.3
Chronic malnutrition is the most advanced form of malnutrition. It’s described by growth stunting, or a decreased height compared to other individuals of the same age, and loss of body mass.
Transforming Futures is still on the front lines of the city garbage dump. Our goal is to support Pastora Mercedes as she looks for ways to keep our doors open and provide the children with food. Thank you for your partnership during this crisis! We pray God will continue to guide us to support these families in the best way!
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