​Children Nutrition Program

In many impoverished areas, the people and the animals are severely malnourished. This is particularly problematic for growing children and pregnant women.

​The nutritional status of the animals will never be higher than the nutritional status of their humans. Improving human nutrition and food security will improve the local animals nutrition and well-being.

Animal source foods (eggs, liver, meat, milk, cheese) provide high quality complete protein, essential fatty acids, Vitamin B-12, iron, zinc, and many other micronutrients/vitamin in the most bioavailable form for human digestion. Providing regular animal source food is a key component to developing proper nutrition to our villages.

​Of course, providing regular veterinary care to the farm animals ensures productive animals, improves animal welfare, and increases local economy.

SVI has introduced a "TWO EGGS A DAY" program to Tender Mercies Orphanage in Uganda. Currently, we buy from a local producer (thus increasing local economy) and we hope to be producing more of our own eggs soon!

​Eggs are a complete food, safely packaged and arguably more accessible in resource-poor populations than other complementary foods.  Just adding one egg a day to a marginal diet in children age 6-9mo showed 47% less growth stunting.
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PREVENTATIVE DENTAL CARE

Dental disease is a large problem due to high carbohydrate food (rice, sugar, plantains), lack of toothbrushes and toothpaste, and costs/availablity of dentistry. SVI provides a toothbrush to all the children that come to the Kids' cafe. They get a dallop of toothpaste so they get at least 2 good brushings a week. Of course, less calories from sugar and more nutritious meals from animal source foods will be important aspect of this preventative program. 

​Human Health Habits and Education

The children wash their hands, brush their teeth and then line up for a nutritious meal. The children bring their own bowls from home and sometimes bring two bowls so they can take extra food home to their older siblings at home. The children are polite and orderly with a strong sense of sharing. 

WELL BEING

With such happy and grateful smiles like this young man which we feed and provide toothbrushes and toothpaste, we are committed to continue to nourish them and protect those teeth!.... for generations to come.