The Launch of "Mi Comidita"

Published on March 13, 2014

Guatemala: The Launch of "Mi Comidita" to Prevent Childhood Malnutrition

Hello readers,

Just a few weeks ago, the government of Canada launched a $2M program called Mi Comidita. Check out this article to find out more about the program and how it can help pregnant and nursing mothers. You can click here or read below for the full story provided by the World Food Programme. You can also view a photo gallery of the launch if you click here. 

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The Government of Canada has donated $ 2 million for the manufacturing of “Mi Comidita” a fortified food supplement and project of the Government of Guatemala. The pilot project has been launched in the department of Totonicapán with the aim of assisting 3,000 pregnant and nursing mothers, and their children as part of Guatemala’s Zero Hunger Pact coordinated by SESAN.

TOTONICAPÁN, Guatemala- The Government of Guatemala and the World Food Programme (WFP),  together with the support of the Canadian Embassy in Guatemala, last week launched a new programme titled “Mi Comidita” with President Otto Perez Molina and Vice President Roxana Baldetti, receiving the first bag of the "Mi Comidita" powder food supplement from WFP Representative to Guatemala, Mario Touchette.

The distribution of the “Mi Comidita” food supplement is part of the efforts of the Zero Hunger Pact coordinated by the Secretariat of Food and Nutritional Security (SESAN) and the "Capacity Building Plan to prevent chronic malnutrition in Totonicapán" to provide 17,000 children in the area nutrients during the ‘window of opportunity’ or the first 1000 days of life (0-2 years).

The “Mi Comidita” programme also aims to assist 3,000 pregnant and nursing mothers as well as provide training to 300 “Mother Peer Counselors” within the department under the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MSPAS).

"It is with the motto 'With love one grows better' that we launch this product. “Mi Comidita” is the result of our global expertise in the fight against hunger. Besides launching ‘Mi Comidita’, we will participate in the ‘Fair of 1000 Days’ to support Guatemalan children and in Guatemala’s Plan of the Zero Hunger Pact.”  Said WFP Representative, Mario Touchette

The Canadian government has also donated $2 million dollars for the manufacturing of “Mi Comidita”.

"Canada is proud to be a member of this alliance to combat hunger and malnutrition, especially among the Guatemalan children 6 to 24 months," said Canadian Ambassador to Guatemala, Stuart Savage. "This is an investment in the future of the country children who receive adequate nutrition, suffer fewer illnesses throughout their lives, will be more likely to complete their education and achieve their potential in the future. Thus, they are able to contribute to the development of their families and communities. "

“Mi Comidita” is manufactured in Guatemala and is designed specifically for young children. If used as directed, along with continued breastfeeding, contributes to healthy growth and child development. It is easy to prepare and is similar to baby food and is composed of milk, (a source of animal protein which promotes healthy development and is generally absent in rural areas) Soybean oil, (that provides omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids) sugar (which increases the energy density) and other vitamins and minerals.

Health centers in Totonicapán will provide monthly, 2 kg (4.4 lbs.) of “Mi Comidita" to kids 6 to 24 months.

Donations can be made at the following locations:

LOCAL

MAYAN FAMILIES mayanfamilies.org

WUQU KAWOQ wuqukawoq.org

SEMILLAS PARA EL FUTURO semillasfuturo.org/

INTERNATIONAL

USAID usaid.gov

UNICEF unicef.org

OXFAM oxfam.org

WFP (World Food Programme) wfp.org

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Thanks as always for following our efforts to inform the world about malnutrition in Guatemala!

Mayan Spring