Sebastiana Jorge, a single mother in the Cobán Guatemala Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, faced immense challenges when her newborn daughter, Josefa, was diagnosed with chronic malnutrition at just one month old. With limited resources and support, Jorge turned to the Church’s member-focused child nutrition effort, which provided her with essential resources and supplements to help her baby thrive.
jorge’s journey began with daily preparation of nutrient-rich supplements like incaparina, a hot, corn-based cereal fortified with vitamins. This not only improved Josefa’s health but also strengthened jorge’s own well-being and breastmilk production.She also adopted better health and hygiene practices at home, supported by her local Church leaders who monitored Josefa’s growth over several months.“When attending the days of measurement of height and weight, I saw the love with which they treated everyone who attended,” Jorge shared in remarks translated from Spanish.
The Church’s member-focused nutrition effort is part of the Relief Society’s broader global initiative for women and children, which aims to improve maternal and newborn care, child nutrition, immunizations, and education worldwide. Currently active in Central America, Africa, and the Philippines, the program is set to expand to Asia soon.
Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson emphasized the critical importance of the first five years of life. “That’s when appropriate nutrition is vital. We have to feed those children so that their brains develop appropriately,” she stated during a recent address.
Key Highlights of the Church’s Child Nutrition effort
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Regions Served | Central America, africa, Philippines; Asia expansion planned |
| Key Supplements | Incaparina (vitamin-fortified corn-based cereal) |
| Focus Areas | Maternal care, child nutrition, immunizations, education |
| Leadership | Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson |
This initiative underscores the Church’s commitment to nurturing children and empowering mothers like Sebastiana Jorge, ensuring they have the tools to build healthier futures for their families.
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Nutrition Efforts Transform Lives in Guatemala
In 2024, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has made significant strides in addressing child malnutrition in Guatemala through its member-focused nutrition initiative. This program, which includes regular check-ins, nutritional education, and the distribution of supplements like Incaparina, has not only improved the health of children but also strengthened families’ spiritual and emotional well-being.
A Lifeline for Families
One of the program’s success stories is Sebastiana Jorge, a mother whose daughter, Josefa, was diagnosed with malnutrition at 14 months old.Through the Church’s support, Josefa is now only mildly malnourished and is on track to reach her ideal weight. “I am very grateful to the Church for allowing me to be part of this program that has helped us so much,” Jorge shared.
Another beneficiary is Julio, a young boy born prematurely in Guatemala. Screened for malnutrition through the Church’s efforts, Julio has been receiving consistent support and is now nearing his ideal weight. These stories highlight the program’s impact on vulnerable children and their families.
Empowering Mothers
Reina Marroquin, a mother from the Motagua Guatemala District, learned about the Church’s nutrition efforts during her high-risk pregnancy. With the help of a specialist, she received guidance throughout her pregnancy and postpartum period, including Incaparina, a nutritional cereal supplement, as she began breastfeeding her baby boy.
Marroquin’s experience with the program also rekindled her faith. After being inactive for several years,she and her husband now attend Church meetings every Sunday. “The support I received not only helped my baby but also brought me closer to God,” she said.
A Holistic Approach
The Church’s nutrition program goes beyond providing food supplements. It includes regular check-ins by local leaders and ministering brothers and sisters, ensuring families stay on track with their nutritional goals. This approach fosters self-reliance and empowers families to support others in their community.
Sebastiana Jorge’s journey is a testament to this holistic impact. After receiving support, she expressed a renewed desire to learn about the temple, deepening her spiritual connection.
Key Highlights of the Program
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Nutritional Support | Distribution of Incaparina and other supplements to malnourished children. |
| Regular Check-ins | Local leaders and members provide ongoing support and monitoring. |
| Spiritual Impact | Families report strengthened faith and increased Church attendance. |
| Community Empowerment| Families are encouraged to help others in their community. |
A Brighter Future
The Church’s efforts in Guatemala demonstrate the power of combining physical and spiritual support to transform lives. By addressing malnutrition and fostering self-reliance, the program is creating a ripple effect of positive change in communities across the country.
For more information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ humanitarian efforts, visit their official website.
Images courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.In a heartwarming story of faith and resilience, a mother in Guatemala has shared how her daughter’s recovery from malnutrition was made possible through a transformative nutrition program supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “I am very happy with the Lord for allowing me to meet such good people in the Church, and for this nutrition program that has helped my daughter recover from malnutrition,” she said.“the brothers and sisters of the Church have received me with much love.”
This initiative,part of the Church’s broader efforts to address global malnutrition,has not only provided critical nutritional support but also fostered a sense of community and self-reliance among participants. The program offers resources and guidance to parents and leaders, empowering them to improve the health and well-being of their children. For more details, visit caring.ChurchofJesusChrist.org and explore the section titled “Caring for Children through Improved Nutrition.”
The Church’s commitment to alleviating malnutrition extends beyond Guatemala. Through partnerships with organizations like CARE, it has supported women in raising livestock, maintaining gardens, and enhancing their children’s diets.one mother, belaynesh, noted, “I’ve noticed [our children are] strong and have a better academic performance.” These efforts underscore the Church’s holistic approach to addressing malnutrition,which includes access to nutritious foods,safe drinking water,and local clinical services.
Key Highlights of the church’s Nutrition Initiatives
| Initiative | Impact |
|————————————|—————————————————————————-|
| Nutrition Programs in Guatemala | Helped children recover from malnutrition and fostered community support. |
| Partnerships with CARE | Supported women in raising livestock and improving children’s diets. |
| Comprehensive nutrition Care | Provided access to nutritious foods, safe water, and clinical services. |
The Church’s focus on childhood nutrition is a testament to its dedication to improving lives worldwide. By addressing the root causes of malnutrition and empowering communities, these programs are creating lasting change. For those interested in learning more or getting involved, visit the Church’s official page on childhood nutrition.
This story is a reminder of the power of faith, community, and targeted action in overcoming challenges.As one mother’s journey shows, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome with the right support and resources.
Empowering Mothers: A Story of Faith and Resilience in Guatemala
Editor: Can you tell us about the church’s nutrition program in Guatemala and how it has impacted families like Reina Marroquin’s?
Guest: Absolutely. The Church’s nutrition program in Guatemala is a holistic initiative designed to address both physical and spiritual needs. For mothers like Reina Marroquin, the program provides critical support during high-risk pregnancies and postpartum periods. This includes access to Incaparina, a nutritional cereal supplement, along with guidance from specialists. Beyond nutritional support,the program fosters spiritual growth,as seen in Reina’s renewed faith and her family’s increased participation in Church activities. This dual approach truly transforms lives.
Editor: How does the program ensure long-term impact and self-reliance among participants?
Guest: The program emphasizes empowerment and sustainability. Regular check-ins by local leaders and ministering members help families stay on track with their nutritional goals. By encouraging families to support others in their community, the program creates a ripple effect of positive change. For example,Sebastiana Jorge,another participant,expressed a desire to learn more about the temple,deepening her spiritual connection. This collaborative approach builds self-reliance and strengthens community bonds.
Editor: What are some key highlights of the Church’s nutrition initiatives?
Guest: The program’s key aspects include:
- Nutritional Support: Distribution of Incaparina and other supplements to malnourished children.
- Regular Check-ins: Ongoing support and monitoring by local leaders and members.
- Spiritual Impact: Families report strengthened faith and increased Church attendance.
- Community Empowerment: Participants are encouraged to help others in their community.
These elements work together to create a lasting impact on individuals and communities.
Editor: How does the Church’s work in Guatemala fit into its broader global efforts?
Guest: The Church’s commitment to alleviating malnutrition extends beyond Guatemala. Through partnerships with organizations like CARE, the Church supports women in raising livestock, maintaining gardens, and improving children’s diets. This comprehensive approach includes access to nutritious foods, safe drinking water, and local clinical services. These efforts underscore the Church’s dedication to improving lives worldwide by addressing the root causes of malnutrition and empowering communities.
Editor: What message does this story send to those facing similar challenges?
Guest: This story is a testament to the power of faith, community, and targeted action. It shows that with the right support and resources, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. Reina Marroquin’s journey, along with others in the program, serves as an inspiring reminder that holistic support can transform lives physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
Concluding Thoughts: The Church’s nutrition program in Guatemala exemplifies the transformative power of combining physical and spiritual support. By addressing malnutrition and fostering self-reliance, the program creates a ripple effect of positive change, empowering families and strengthening communities. To learn more about the Church’s humanitarian efforts, visit caring.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
