Guatemala Food Project

Guatemala, September, 2009

Guatemalan president Alvaro Colom declared Guatemala in a national “state of calamity” due to food shortages. It is estimated that 410,000 families have been affected. Guatemala’s key crops, like corn and beans have been decimated by drought (the worst in 70 years) plus, the slumping economy has contributed to the food shortages.

The food shortages have led to the hospitalization of about 1200 children for malnutrition this year according to the United Nations report.

58% of Guatemala’s population lives in poverty (people that live within $2.00 per day) and 27% live in extreme poverty (people that live with $1.00 or less per day). With the highest rate of malnutrition of any Latin American nation, Guatemala is desperate for increased food aid.

In Guatemala, 50% of the children under the age of five are suffering from malnutrition.

This information was gathered from: IFRC.Org, AFP.Com & Bloomberg.Com

Guatemala Mission Trip, 2007

Our first mission trip to Guatemala was in 2007. We collected toys, books, school supplies and clothing. Our main purpose was to give orphaned children a Christmas celebration which they had not experienced before. The mission was very successful and we all felt we had received much more than what we had given. Since that trip our hearts are filled with the thoughts of the children we met and now the worry of their wellbeing.

This December, 2009

We are returning to Guatemala once again. This time, the drive to succeed is more urgent.

Our collection of items and mission has changed drastically. Our mission is to distribute Food Baskets, Over the Counter Medications and Vitamins to as many families in need through local organizations that have contacted us for help.

We are collecting …

Canned Meats: to be shipped to Guatemala on October 1^st. (These are very expensive in Guatemala.) example: Chicken, Tuna, Spam, etc.

Over the counter medications – fever, cold, and stomach meds for children and adults. (Not Expired)

Vitamins – Children and Adults

Money – for food to purchase in Guatemala. (Rice, beans, fruit and vegetables) This will save on shipping costs plus the foods sold at markets are from struggling families with just a basket or two in front of them to sell. This will help them as well.

Please find it in you heart to help us with this mission.

Vanessa Robichaux and

Marlene Koenig

Vanessa Robichaux Marlene Koenig

P O Box 276 P O Box 436

Des Allemands, LA 70030 Santa Claus, IN 47579

Vbayouangel@aol.com Kaynig@yahoo.com