Nutrition Program
Initiated in 2011, the Nutrition Program focuses on children between 6 months and 5 years of age who suffer from chronic malnutrition. Nearly 47% of all Guatemalan children under the age of five are diagnosed with chronic malnutrition. This percentage is even higher in rural, Indigenous areas.
In 2024, we served 155 children from four rural communities.
Thirty-six children graduated from the program at a healthy height and weight and without anemia.
This holistic program includes:
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Height, weight, and hemoglobin monitoring
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Pediatric consultation and medication if necessary
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Parent education (breastfeeding, introduction of solids, hygiene and food preparation, child development, and parent-child activities etc.)
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Healthy snacks during program activities
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Provision of appropriate food and supplements including high quality eggs; ground, toasted amaranth; and Chispuditos for the participant children
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Incaparina for the rest of the family
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Cooking activities
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Family vegetable and medicinal plant gardens, seed saving, and follow-up visits
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Collaboration with specialists, laboratories, and public health services as needed
Chronic Care Management
Adult chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and kidney disease are common in Guatemala. The Chronic Care Management Program addresses the physical and mental aspects of chronic diseases through integrated care, including medical check-ups and medication, physical therapy and exercise plans, nutritional consultations and recommendations, and psychological support. The goal of this program is to understand the origins of chronic illnesses and follow the paths toward recovery.
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The increased prevalence of chronic illnesses in Guatemala has a variety of causes. Since the Green Revolution, our food systems have been negatively impacted by outside influences, resulting in the commercialization, modification, and appropriation of our sacred food. In order to maximize production, it has been contaminated with agrochemicals without respect for the land or animals. This has caused chaos in public health, and we see it clearly in the epidemic of food insecurity and child hunger, which has long-term consequences such as chronic illnesses in adulthood.
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Medical and nutritional check-ups
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Cooking activities
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Agro-ecological workshops
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Group and individual therapy
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Physical therapy and exercise plan
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Medication
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Community participation and organization
Primary Care Clinic
Based in Xela, our low-cost primary care clinic seeks the well-being of our patients through a comprehensive approach to health, including medical check-ups and medication, physical therapy, nutritional support, mental health care, and specialist and lab referrals as needed.
Healthcare is free for families who participate in other 32 Volcanes projects such as the Scholarship Program, the Family Support Center, and the Nutrition Program.