Food Baskets for Households in Kenya!

Food baskets and bulk food delivery continue to provide a lifeline to hundreds of households, keeping a most vulnerable population fed and relatively healthy.

Throughout and post-pandemic Makindu Children’s Program has stayed true to its mission and helped feed, educate and care for the most vulnerable of kids. We stick to our 5 main program areas and keep the quality of care, even as we expand our reach to feed all persons in the households. That comes to about 3000 kids and 320 adults we keep fed and healthy throughout the year!

The Center continues to work with Kibwezi South Stores to deliver maize, beans, rice and cooking oil to all 320 households on a regular basis. Many of these households are 10-25 km from town, often on dirt roads, and so the distribution logistics take collaboration and teamwork. Generally, the guardians and children come to distribution areas to collect the food, with some  guardians still having to walk 3 km or more. With hunger and drought continuing in the area, food deliveries will remain an important tool stay healthy.

Children and guardians on HIV care continue to receive vitamin and mineral supplements to help boost the immune system. The shamba or farm continues to produce vegetables and fruits, irrigated by the solar-powered borehole. These are served as supplements to the Center feedings. The juicy ripe mangoes are always a hit. Excess produce is distributed to the neediest of children, generally those with HIV.

We take advantage of the small group gatherings during food distribution and conduct health sensitization meetings. Health professionals from Makindu Hospital, and students from the Makindu Nursing School accompany staff to offer professional guidance on a personal level. These small gatherings also create an opportunity for the families to ask questions, share fears and experiences, and connect with others. Topics include virus and infection prevention and management, sanitation, and general hygiene. In addition, the health professionals present guidance and information on wellness essentials, high blood pressure, diabetes prevention and management, and reproductive health to the older kids. We are confident this plays a key role in keeping all people the Center serves relatively healthy and well fed.

 Thank you for helping us feed the children!