ODIM COMBATS MALNUTRITION

ODIM COMBATS

MALNUTRITION

AT THE START OF 2021, as the world began to open again, recovery was painfully slow in Guatemala, with many families and businesses still reeling from the devastating economic hits of the COVID-19 crisis. Guatemala ranks 6th in the world for chronic childhood malnutri‐tion. This situation only worsened during the pandemic as families struggled to make ends meet when the local tourist economy came to a sudden and defining standstill. Malnutrition rates nationally increased two-fold and locally our program leaders reported more than 5 times the usual rates of malnutrition-related growth stunting in children. It was clear that amidst the uncertainty of a lingering health crisis, we had to act to continue to ensure the food security and wellbeing of community members, particularly moms and babies. Through a successful series of campaigns and the inspired “Trivia Nights” and virtual cooking events hosted by ODIM staff and sup‐porters, including local foodie and maestro Chef Dre, we have been able to raise a total of $14,388 specifically to mitigate the effects of malnutrition in the communities where we work. These donations allowed us to continue to provide food supple‐ments for underweight babies, pre- and post-natal vitamins for new mothers, and food distribution to vulnerable community members. The food baskets, which we distributed throughout 2021, included fresh vegetables, eggs, rice, beans, pasta, and forti‐fied oats to ensure that families had access to healthy food during these uncertain times.

Thank you to everyone who participated in these cam‐paigns, cooked (or gamed) with us, or even led their own cooking f undraiser in 2021!