Children’s
development all over the world regarding nutrition/malnutrition is an issue in
need of reform both in America and Haiti. Malnutrition is, “the condition that
develops when the body does not get the right amount of the vitamins, minerals,
and other nutrients it needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function” (medical-dictionary.com).
Unfortunately, every continent has this global problem with children and
malnutrition.
In the United States federal funding
have programs such as EBT, which is an Electronic Benefit Transfer sent to a
card monthly for qualified recipients who then can purchase groceries. Another
form of federal funding is WIC which stands for Women, Infants, and Children. WIC
is another federal program that ensures proper nutrition to recipients of
pregnant women and their children up to 5 years of age. The final program I
would like to mention is, The Feeding America Nationwide network of food banks.
This provides whole cooked meals to food pantries and meal program’s for anyone
in need.
In spite of having all of this available
in the US certain things apply. For example, in order to receive EBT or WIC you
must meet a certain annual income, be a citizen of the US and a resident in the
state of which you apply. The US has a population of starving parents and
children that do not meet any of these requirements. This is how, The Feeding
America Nationwide Network of food banks came to fruition. It services the people
that do not qualify for assistance. This
network serves meals to churches, shelters and schools. They also have food
trucks that travel to locations where people are unable to make and receive
meals for themselves.
In Haiti, malnutrition is the #1
killer for children due to the economy and natures natural disasters. Educators
in Haiti recognized that low performance of children where due to lack of proper
nourishment. This launched a number of food programs to feed children in schools.
One program called the Nutrition in Haiti began to grind peanuts and fed the
children peanut butter before school. There was a noted increase in scholastic
abilities once this routine was implemented. This program goes beyond
educational boarders. This program has grown to offer clean water, healthcare,
women’s empowerment, building homes and farm schools that all service the economy.
This topic is meaningful to me
because if I could minimize starvation in children this will decrease
developmental delays, immune deficiencies causing vulnerability to diseases, stunted
growth and blindness. I’ve always had a passion for helping children and this
is something that can start out locally and work its way to a global position. The
above-mentioned research will impact my future work because the population that
I serve may not be aware of what assistance is available. It is our responsibility
to meet the needs of a child and it’s family as a whole to minimize negative
outcomes and maximize success.
Resource:
Lewanda,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about the topic you selected. I listened to an audio book this summer called More Than Just Making It by Erin Odom. The book addressed what you mentioned, the population of Americans that don't qualify for government aid but struggled with hunger between paychecks. This topic interests me because I think this part of the population stays quite about their need.
Samantha
Hi Samantha,
DeleteYes, I do agree. This is why I feel it is our responsibility to be their voice.😊
It very unfortunate to hear that Haiti is going through a nutrition problem in the country. It bad enough their still dealing with the hurricane situation years back. Hopefully big company's and other people can continue supporting Haiti people. EBT is very useful because it can give the opportunity for an individual who could be struggling to get food.
ReplyDeleteYes, not only does EBT give food to all in need; it allows others to share with a population that goes unaccounted for. For example, our church gives out food and clothing to the homeless that finds shelter under bridges. I was talking to three individuals one day and they mentioned how they move from state to state especially when it gets cold during winter months. However, they try to return once the weather is nicer to be closer to family. They also mentioned how the EBT goes wherever they go. They must return back to the original state they signed up in for recertification. I thought that was a great thing especially for homeless people who are travelers, at least they will have a supply of food to not go hungry and starve.
DeleteLewanda,
ReplyDeleteMalnutrition is a major issue in our world. It is so sad because it affects children the most, school lunch is even expensive. This has a major impact on how children develop. I have never heard of The Feeding America Nationwide Network but I plan to look more into it. Great post and I enjoyed reading it.
Tamekia,
DeleteI'm certainly glad you enjoyed the read. I always welcome resources we all can share amongst ourselves for the betterment of society. The more knowledge we have the better we can assist any family members and children in need. I try to update my resources as much as possible not only locally but nationally and worldwide.
Hi Lewanda! Unfortunately, we have a huge death rate from individuals who have suffered from malnutrition. There are a lot of programs that support and aid individuals with food supplies; however, we have some people who do not take advantage of these services. I understand that there are many countries who do not have these types of resources available to them and it is causing a major increase in the death rate. Hopefully, we can determine ways to provide for these countries outside of the United States.
ReplyDeleteGood evening Gigi,
DeleteYou are absolutely right! Everyone does not use the resources available to them. A perfect example of this is my two great-nephews both my husband and I currently take care of. I didn't know how much my nephews had to go without food regularly until it was shared with me through them going to therapy. They began to start feeling more comfortable with discussing their difficult past. Although my husband and I give plenty of food to them and our daughters, my 9 year old great-nephew still goes to school and signs up for bags of food his school supplies to children every Friday. I asked him, why does he take this food when we have plenty? He said, just in case if we run out we will have food. It's now going on two years and that bag is a form of comfort for him. I told my husband it is our responsibility to raise him to be self sufficient therefore, he will be able to supply food for himself and his family with ease. I just think in this situation my great-nephew's father and his mother didn't know how to provide for them. Thankfully programs such as this is a help for adults to get assistance if their family is in need.