December 2008 Zimpeto Community Infant Milk and Food Supplement Program Update

All children and mothers are evaluated and prioritized prior to beginning the  milk program. Children with mothers who are HIV positive who can't breastfeed, babies who are born with HIV and their mothers are unable to breastfeed them, and babies who are suffering from malnutrition are the priorities.

This past year, with great sadness we lost 4 babies to malnutrition, some of whom were victims of the HIV virus. We continue to fight against the difficulties of poverty and HIV that this nation confronts.

120 children were attended to with the resources received this past year. There are presently 60 babies on the milk program. When they reach the age of 15 months, we discharge them, to give opportunity to other babies.

We have bought approximately 2,000 tins of milk for the milk program and 800 kg of maize for porridge, and also provide transport monies to the mothers.

[The below photos show happy moms and babies with milk formula]

The community food program produces 53 food boxes every 2 weeks. This includes 45 boxes for specific people/families that receive every 2 weeks, 5 for people on our milk formula program run through a clinic, and 3 ‘extra’ boxes which are given out to those in need at that particular time.

Each box contains clothes washing powder, sugar, rice, peanuts, soap, and oil. For Christmas, we are also including a capalana, toothbrush, pens and a few other gifts.

This program is such a blessing for those people who receive it. We visit all the families at least once every year to ensure they are still in need of this assistance. The focus of the program is to give to those who are most in need. We all know that there are so many people in Mozambique who would both love to receive and genuinely are in need, so we faithfully work to find those who will benefit the greatest. It is wonderful to be able to serve the church and community in this tangible way.

[Vovote, Mito and Betinho packing food boxes]