For over 15 years we’ve been feeding children ages 2-5 with a high nutrition porridge called “Likhuni Pala".” It’s made from Soy beans and maize flour, with added sugar and salt for taste. For many years we received this free of charge from a large organization called Feed the Children. Several years ago they decided to stop serving organizations in our area and moved elsewhere. For about two years we picked up the extra cost (about $10,000 per year) to continue this program.
Two years ago Stanley and the staff proposed making it ourselves. We would grow and purchase maize and soy beans, mill them, mix the flour, and add sugar and salt for taste. This has been a huge blessing to our budget! We’re spending less than half of what it cost to purchase, to produce the same amount of porridge. Last year, they proposed that we grow our own “yellow maize,” a variation that provides more nutrients and a bit more flavor to the porridge. We cultivate that on some of our land in order to supply the nursery program. We’re very proud of our staff for being resourceful and creative with the limited resources we have.
Al in all, it’s enough to feed about 500 kids each weekday for 9 months of the year.
