Feeding Center Program
TRANSFORMING FUTURES
Transforming Futures has partnered with Casa del Pan, a local Christian organization based outside the city garbage dump that is providing food, humanitarian assistance and spiritual mentoring to approximately 600 children living in extreme conditions. The organization is under the leadership of Pastora Mercedes, a local spiritual leader. Joining her passion, 5 volunteers dedicate their lives to provide aid and protect children in their difficult community.
TRANSFORMING FUTURES AT THE CITY DUMP
The garbage dump in Guatemala City is one of the largest in Central America. It is estimated that around 3,000 tons of garbage are dumped every day. Approximately 11,000 people are working and living around the garbage dump. Their work consists of collecting recycled materials such as plastic, aluminum, cardboard – and sometimes even food. On average, they can make around $2.00 – $6.00 per day. Most of the families, including many children, live in vulnerable situations and experience constant discrimination, and lack of access to education, food, health, security and job opportunities.
Ways to Help
- Partner with us in the Feeding Center.
- You can come to Guatemala on field trip.
- Pray for the health of Transforming Futures' Team.
KEY FACTS FROM THE FEEDING CENTERS
- Transforming Futures is providing 100 % funding of the feeding Centers
- 600 children are fed daily from Monday to Friday in two locations
- 12,000 meals are served every month at Casa del Pan.
- 2 Feeding Centers
PASTORA MERCEDES HISTORY
Pastora Mercedes is no stranger to what happens day after day in the garbage dump of the city. Being born in this community, Mercedes began to help her mother by collecting recyclable materials at an early age. At age 5, she also began to help take care of each of her 4 siblings, while her mother worked as a collector in the garbage dump.
This was the way, knowing the many needs of the neighborhood, she decided one day to feed the children who stayed at home, waiting for their parents to bring something to eat at the end of the day.
She started in the kitchen of her own house, using her stove, her pots, and her pans. Soon she realized that her house would not be enough to accommodate the many children who came in need.
At the same time, God was using her in preaching in a local church. It was in this church that the doors were opened to start the feeding center of Casa del Pan. From the beginning, there were 100 children being fed, and with the support of Transforming Futures food is prepared and served for almost 600 children every day.
Transforming Futures believes in Pastora Mercedez vision to support children living in the garbage dump of Guatemala City.
HELP US TRANSFORM FUTURES
Transforming Futures currently supports children with:
A hot, nutritious meal 5 days per week
Christian Mentoring
Assistance and access to hygiene areas
Educational Support: Helping 25 + children in their educational development at the elementary level
IMPACT STORIES
Transforming Futures consistently serves over 600 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. 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.
