Breakfast

We understand the importante of eating breakfast. Many of our children in Zone 18 do not have the opportunity to eat a bowl of cereal or a hot breakfast that will improve their physical as well as intellectual development; a child on an empty stomach cannot learn as well as one who is nourished. For this reason, we have implemented the breakfast program recently and we currently give breakfast to approximately 73 of Hope’s nearlyl 200 children; those with the most extreme need. We are confident that this new piece of Hope’s nutritional program will increase the children’s possibilities to increase their intellectual and learning coefficient and motivate them to continue in school with the ultimate goal of achieving their dreams and goals.

Snack

A reinforcing nutritional snack is distributed to the children who arrive in the mornings to participate in our reading program. During a break from their assignments and lessons, the children come down from the Library to the dining area where they receive a hot, nutritional drink (similar to oatmeal) and cookies. This helps the children to continue through their day until they return with us for lunch.

Lunch

We currently serve approximately 3,800 lunch plates every month and we are able to see the effect this has on the physical development of the children. Studies done by the National University in Guatemala (USAC) have revealed that 5 out of every 10 children in Guatemala suffer from malnutrition. Hope understands that providing a lunch that is nutritious, hot, and delicious will not only help to maintain the children in proper physical condition but that they might also defeat the malnutrition that plagues them. Many of Hope’s households struggle to even survive and in many cases the adults are without work and have a ½ dozen children who are waiting at home, hungry. These circumstances come about as a result of lack of education, drug abuse, alcoholism, or simple abandonment on the part of the parents. The children are sometimes left at the doorstep of a family member or friend who is then responsible for providing and they don’t have access to a fixed, daily meal.

We appreciate immensely the people who make this program possible. In large part, the lunch we serve is provided by the Guatemalan farmers and vendors who believe in this nutritional program and in the fruit it will bear in the not so distant future. Thank you to CENMA, CASA DE DIOS, and ORPHAN RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL as well as our CHILD SPONSORS who through their monthly donation make this work possible. Together we are forming healthy citizens for a better tomorrow.

Vegetables and Market Day

As part of the work we’re doing to fight against malnutrition, weekly we receive a donation of fresh fruits and vegetables from about 1500 to 4000 pounds of first quality product. Those people who have been able to experience market day understand when we say it’s a supernatural experience.

We leave at 5:15 am from Zone 18 in order to arrive at the CENMA market at about 6:20 am as it is located on literally the opposite end of the city. CENMA is one of the largest markets in Guatemala City. It is run by humble people including farmers and plantation owners, as well as retail and wholesale vendors. Each of them gives of what he has and not his leftovers. It’s incredible that in the midst of their need, they can take a little (or in some cases, A LOT) in order to share with Hope’s children and families who are poor and in need in Zone 18.

Once we return to the Ministry with the pickup and trailer filled with fruits and vegetables, we take what is needed in the kitchen for the week. Next, the product is organized like in a small market and distributed to more than 115 families that represent approximately 1,100 people including Hope’s children and their families. There are even occasions that after the kitchen and the families are blessed, we still have product and are able to bless other local ministries that are also dedicated to help children and their families in extreme need. May God bless CENMA for its enormous heart to share what is theirs with our children. May he bless their lives abundantly.

Local Donations

Local businesses and individuals support Hope for Guatemala monthly to aid our nutritional program. Pollo Rey (a Chicken distributor) donates 100 pounds of fresh, rich chicken monthly. This donation allows us to improve the nutritional content as well as the variety of the plates we serve Hope’s children.
Every week, Hope receives donations from local butchers such as Carniceria Capernaum, Carniceria El Colocho, Carniceria La Bendicion, and also a our dear friend, Carlos who provides a serving of meat for every child on a weekly basis.

Hope’s kids are very grateful every time they are served a meal that includes meat as their circumstances do not allow them to do so very often.

Casa de Dios, a local church in Guatemala City, also supports Hope, through their food bank, with a monthly donation of non perishable food items, cleaning supplies, and paper products.

Thanks also to Alpha Car Wash and Manuel Guerra for their financial support of Hope’s nutritional program. To each of these donors we send many thanks for the love of their country and our kids because they recognize the importance of giving over receiving and the impact of sowing in Hope’s beautiful children that one day will transform our nation in a positive way. Thank you and may God bless you!