Food Security Kenya Project #25471

Food Baskets for Households in Kenya!

by Makindu Children's Program

Project Report | Mar 20, 2025
The Vital Impact of Bulk Food Deliveries

By Diana Richardson | Executive Director

In the arid landscape of Makindu, where the harsh realities of drought and food scarcity often loom large, the Makindu Children’s Program (MCP) and Makindu Children’s Center (MCC) provide a lifeline to families facing these challenges. One of the most significant and impactful forms of assistance is the bulk food deliveries that reach 389 households multiple times each year, ensuring that children remain well-nourished and cared for despite the ongoing difficulties they face.

These essential food supplies, which include maize, beans, rice, and cooking oil, are more than just a meal—they represent hope, security, and the possibility of a brighter future. For just $50 per household, these deliveries provide enough sustenance to nourish families for 3-4 weeks, offering a vital cushion of support in times of need.

Many of the families supported by MCC are located far from the Center, with some living as far as 25 km away. This considerable distance poses a significant challenge, as most guardians do not own bicycles or cars and must rely on walking to fetch food. In the unforgiving semi-arid conditions of the Sub-Saharan region, the struggles of growing vegetables for subsistence often prove futile, with many crops failing due to persistent droughts.

Without the regular bulk food deliveries provided by MCC, these families would face extreme difficulty, and malnutrition would become an all-too-real consequence for both children and guardians. The provision of maize, beans, rice, and cooking oil ensures that these households are not only able to feed their children but also to withstand the impact of drought and other seasonal challenges.

In addition to these food staples, MCC has also helped bolster the nutrition of these families by providing dairy goats and egg-laying chickens during the COVID-19 pandemic. These animals offer a consistent and highly nutritious supplement to the food deliveries, with most households now able to enjoy at least one egg a day and a fresh cup of goat milk. The nutritional value of these items cannot be overstated, particularly for growing children who need quality protein and essential vitamins to thrive.

MCC’s food delivery program goes beyond simply dropping off supplies. These visits serve as a unique opportunity to connect with the families, check in on their well-being, and listen to any concerns they may have. The guardians and children are not just recipients of aid; they are valued members of a community that cares about their struggles and successes.

During each delivery, MCC staff take the time to engage with families, offering a listening ear and addressing any issues or concerns that arise. Whether it's a question about future food supplies, a need for additional support, or just a conversation about the challenges of daily life, these check-ins build trust and reinforce the message that the families are not alone in their struggles.

The bulk food delivery program supported by Makindu Children’s Program and Makindu Children’s Center is far more than just a means of providing nourishment. It is a vital tool in ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of children and guardians in one of the most vulnerable regions of Sub-Saharan Africa.

By ensuring that 389 households receive food and nutritional supplements multiple times throughout the year, MCC not only helps families survive but also empowers them to thrive. The program builds relationships, fosters trust, and provides a consistent lifeline to families who would otherwise be left to fend for themselves in the face of hardship. Each delivery is a reminder that even in the most challenging of circumstances, there is hope—and that together, we can make a difference in the lives of these families.

Thank you for helping us feed the children!

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Nov 20, 2024
KEEP THESE TWO FED!

By Diana Richardson | Executive Director

An Appeal for Hope: Nourishing Dreams and Talent

On the outskirts of town, in a humble mud house, live two remarkable children and their elderly grandmother. Life is not easy for them; their days are marked by struggle and resilience. Yet, amidst the hardship, a young boy shines brightly, full of promise and talent.

This boy is extraordinary. Well-spoken, kind, and thoughtful, he carries a passion for the written, spoken, and musical word. Last October, he astonished us all when he performed a poem/song he had written entirely from memory in both English and Swahili—a testament to his creativity and dedication. His handwriting is impeccable, his words a window into a mind brimming with potential.

But his life is far from easy. Chronic eye issues have plagued him, and though temporary treatments brought some relief, the problem persists. When we visited his home, we found him alone, locked out of the house. His grandmother had left to search for work, and his sister had already begun her long walk to the Makindu Children’s Center. He had not eaten since the day before, and there was no food in the house—there hadn't been for some time. Bulk food relief was not expected for another month, and the children rely on lunches at the Center for their nourishment.

Despite these challenges, this boy continues to dream, create, and inspire. The Makindu Children’s Center is his lifeline. It provides the nourishment he and his sister need to survive, thrive, and attend school. Without it, their future would be bleak.

Your support is making all the difference. Because of you, this boy has the strength to pursue his passion for writing and performance. Because of you, his sister has the energy to walk the hour-long journey to the Center and receive the sustenance she needs.

When you support Makindu, you’re doing more than feeding hungry children—you’re nurturing dreams, sparking creativity, and giving hope to those who have so little. You’re helping a young boy with a gift for words to write his story—a story that can inspire the world.

Together, we can ensure that these two remarkable children continue to grow, thrive, and dream. Will you help? Your kindness is their lifeline.

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Sep 25, 2024
FOOD DISTRIBUTION CRUCIAL

By Diana Richardson | Executive Director

Distribution in Progress

The Makindu Children’s Program, hosted at the Makindu Children's Center, provides essential relief food to a remarkable 350 households, benefitting 3,000 orphaned and vulnerable children. This initiative plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity among our vulnerable population, especially given the rising food and fuel prices that have made affordable sustenance increasingly scarce.

Despite the challenging economic climate, the program has successfully maintained its commitment to ensuring that no child in our care suffers from malnutrition. The nutritious food provided not only supports the children's physical health but also contribute significantly to their overall well-being. We are proud to report that none of the children are chronically truant, a testament to the positive impact that consistent, nourishing meals have on their ability to attend school and engage in learning.

The Makindu Children's Program operates with a dedicated team of volunteers and staff who work tirelessly to coordinate food delivery that meet the nutritional needs of the children. Proper nutrition is foundational to education and personal development. The importance of a full belly cannot be overstated. When children are well-fed, hope and optimism flourish, fostering a conducive environment for learning and growth. The program not only addresses immediate hunger but also builds a foundation for future success. The smiles seen at food distributions are a vivid reminder of the hope that sustains us all.

Thanks to donors like you, Makindu Children's Program continues to make a significant difference in the lives of hundreds of children, providing not only meals but also a sense of stability and community amidst challenging circumstances. With ongoing support, we can ensure that hope remains high in our children’s lives.

Please consider continuing your support.

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