A Community We Support: La Cuadrilla
Background
The Feed the Hungry kitchen in La Cuadrilla opened in 2001. During school year 2023-2024, we are serving hot lunches every school day to 33 children in kinder, 140 in primaria, and 45 in telesecundaria. The hydration program also provides clean water in large refillable jugs for the children in the classrooms and for food preparation in the school kitchen.
Our Early Childhood Nutrition program includes 20 families in La Cuadrilla who receive food supplies twice per month, providing nutrition for children not yet of school age. Workshops for mothers are conducted on topics such as hygiene in food preparation, the importance of hydration, and appropriate food portions for children from six months to three years of age. Home visits allows our nutritionists to evaluate living conditions and learn about the family eating habits. Mothers receive materials to guide them in preparing balanced meals using the provisions provided by Feed the Hungry.
Location Statistics
La Cuadrilla is 12 km from the Feed the Hungry Center. Per the latest census (2020), the current population of the community is 584 men, women, and children, residing in 142 households. Fewer than half of the homes had indoor sanitary facilities. The average level of schooling was 7 years; 6% of the population was illiterate. 42% of the population over 12 years old was employed. Three percent of the population was indigenous.
Nutrition Report – School Year 2022-2023
For the latest Nutrition Report, staff nutritionists assessed students in primaria and kinder through height, weight, and body fat measurements.
Three cases were found presenting moderate malnutrition and ten cases with mild malnutrition, determined by weight and height ranges below normal. Some children reported eating smaller portions than those recommended for their age, and not liking certain foods or how they were prepared. In specific cases, large families have a shortage of food due to lack of economic resources.
Primaria Students: Health Assessment Results
| Condition | Percentage of Children |
|---|---|
| Obese | 5% |
| Overweight | 10% |
| At risk of overweight | 19% |
| Normal | 58% |
| Light underweight | 6% |
| Moderate underweight | 2% |
| Severe underweigh | 0% |
The results showed a greater trend in cases of overweight and obesity, showing 29 cases at risk; 15 of them with overweight problems and 8 of the cases presenting obesity. Children with this diagnosis are distributed in 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. The children were asked what foods they like or dislike, and the foods they consume the most. Their breakfasts at home are usually chocolate atoles, boxed cereals with sugar and milk, or coffee with sweet bread. Most of them admit that they buy sweets or fried foods in the shops near the school. It was found that they tend to consume mostly processed foods with high levels of sugars, fats, and sodium, as well as sugary drinks. This is evidenced by clinical signs such as dental caries, tooth loss, and acanthosis nigricans, which points to insulin resistance. This is an alarming sign that chronic degenerative diseases may develop, such as arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes.
It is necessary to monitor this community consistently in hopes of reducing the number of cases of children at risk of becoming overweight. In the cases that presented malnutrition, we will continue to promote the consumption of foods with protein, vitamins, and minerals.
The main objective of the nutrition team will be to make necessary modifications to the school lunch menu, and to continue with informative workshops that guide parents and children to good eating habits and to promote physical activity.
Kinder Students: Health Assessment Results 2022-2023
| Condition | Percentage of Children |
|---|---|
| Obese | 0% |
| Overweight | 3% |
| At risk of overweight | 10% |
| Normal | 81% |
| Light underweight | 3% |
| Moderate underweight | 3% |
| Severe underweigh | 0% |
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