The need

In Guatemala, poor nutrition is one of the most significant threats to the health of the population. Stunting affects nearly 50% of Guatemala’s children under five years, with even higher rates in the indigenous population.

Since 2013, our community partner 32V’s initiative to reduce malnutrition and anemia in infants has resulted in 1,300 children between the ages of six months and 3 years receiving care.

Current Initiatives

Approximately 100 babies per month between the ages of 6 months and 36 months and their mothers in Llanos del Pinal, Buena Vista, La Victoria, Xeabaj II, and Pujujil participate in the Nutrition Program.  Local staff provide monthly education, height and weight checks, nutrition consults, various nutritional supplements, and medical treatment. 

Local 32 Volcanes staff and volunteers review the child’s growth and provide eggs, Incaparina (a fortified corn- and soy-based product popular in Guatemala), and a fortified peanut butter product for the child to consume every day.  The fortified peanut butter products are produced by Edesia, a Rhode Island based non-profit that works to treat and prevent malnutrition. Pre-natal vitamins for the mothers and children’s vitamins for all other children under 13 years of age in the family are also provided. 

The babies and toddlers are particularly vulnerable to digestive and respiratory illnesses. They are especially vulnerable due to conditions of extreme poverty and their precarious living conditions. In addition to the common illnesses in Guatemala, there has also been an increase in illnesses that are harder to diagnose and treat.  The program continues to need additional funds for lab tests, specialist consults, and treatments.