This program was inspired by our personal experiences. In June 2012, Jenny volunteered at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda. The village offers a home, education, and medical care for children orphaned before and after the 1994 genocide. Jenny was struck by the children's desire to learn and give back to Rwanda through tikkun olam and tutoring at local schools. Amanda traveled to Haiti in February 2013 and was overwhelmed by the poverty and lack of opportunity. When she visited Ecole Nouvelle Zoranje, a widowed mother of five children implored Amanda to take two of her children back to the United States, since she could not feed all of them.
Food insecurity is a barrier to personal growth and development. We designed "Healthy Eating for Healthy Minds" to feed the children and staff at the school Amanda visited in Zoranje, Haiti, so they may reach their potential. Our program is twofold: 1. Students and staff will receive two balanced meals each day so they are better able to focus and excel; 2. A nurse will monitor the students' health and provide educational opportunities for the community to understand the importance of good nutrition.
Together we can make a difference to help feed children in Haiti who have lived through the devastation and loss of natural disaster.
If you are interested in contributing to a specific component of our project, here is the breakdown of the budget:
GOAL: $28,560
Program Manager = $1,800 ($150/month)
1 administrator to oversee program.
Head Cook = $1,560 ($130/month)
1 cook to oversee kitchen team.
General Cooks = $6,000 ($125/month)
4 general cooks who are parents/residents.
Cleaning Staff = $3,600 ($100/month/person)
3 parents/residents to maintain clean and healthy environment.
Meal Ingredients = $6,000 (for school year, including summer school)
Nutritionally balanced meals based on World Food Program protocol, purchased in bulk and supplemented by produce grown in school vegetable garden.
Gas for Oven = $4,500 ($450/month)
Kitchen is operated with gas propane ovens.
Cleaning Supplies = $3,000 ($300/month)
Supplies such as bleach, detergent, pads, sponges.
Kitchen Material = $500
Pots, mats, oven maintenance.
Nurse/Nutritionist = $1,000
1 nurse responsible for BMI measurement and implementation of classroom nutrition program.
Stock Room Attendant = $1,200 ($100/month)
1 parent/resident to coordinate delivery of supplies, take inventory, ensure cleanliness of food depot, work with kitchen staff to deliver supplies to kitchen, monitor cafeteria when meals are served.
"Healthy Eating for Healthy Minds" is supported by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.