Since its inception, the School Nutrition Program (SNP) has aimed to teach how to use and cook U.S. rice correctly.
The program led by USRPA and ARROZGUA in Guatemalan schools targets an ideal audience — children and their mothers. This approach ensures that healthy eating habits are passed down through families, starting with the younger generation. By visiting four schools every week and reaching around 2,500 children, the program is making a meaningful impact. It not only provides nutritious meals but also educates families on how to cook rice correctly and affordably, reinforcing the importance of balanced nutrition in everyday life.
The involvement of Chef Promoters from both organizations adds a practical, hands-on element to the education, helping participants understand how versatile rice can be in various nutritious meals. This program likely helps combat malnutrition and promotes overall well-being in the communities it serves."Food insecurity forces at least 40% of families to make difficult decisions. These data speak to us of the historical debt that we have dragged along as a country, but they also show us the path we are taking to work from early childhood so that children grow up with the opportunities they deserve." - Karin Herrera, Vice President of Guatemala |