2022 was a very productive year for Feed the Hungry San Miguel! At our 34 school kitchens, we were able to provide as many as 80,000 hot lunches every month to nearly 4,000 children. And 373 nutrition workshops were conducted for mothers, to help them continue healthy eating practices at home.
New programs that were launched during the pandemic continue to help not only school children but also infants and their mothers, and isolated elderly and disabled persons who have no family support. Through the Early Childhood Nutrition Program, enrolled mothers receive twice-monthly deliveries of food and frequent educational workshops. In 11 communities, 167 families with 172 children are receiving food. And there are now 36 families in four communities enrolled in the Extended Alimentation Program, which aims to eradicate malnutrition within entire families by providing bags of food to households that present extreme cases of impoverishment and poor health.
It has been especially satisfying to work in partnership with the mothers in these programs, to help ensure the next generation of San Miguelenses is as strong and healthy as possible. And our alliances with municipality and public-school officials are stronger than ever.
We are also happy that after a three-year hiatus (due to the pandemic), our popular March Magic tour will again offer a unique experience of the heart and soul of San Miguel. Proceeds of March Magic 2023 will support school meals in a rural community that will be visited during the tour, so attendees can see first-hand the impact of their patronage.
In 2023, we hope to continue to grow our programs to help even more people receive the critical nutrition they need to survive.
2023 Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is also growing, and changing. After six years as president of Feed the Hungry San Miguel, Inc., Al Kocourek has stepped down as president, but will continue to serve as a Trustee, focusing on fundraising. We are incredibly grateful for all he has done during his years of leadership. It would be impossible to list the many ways Al has inspired us, guided us, and worked selflessly to ensure that we have the resources needed to open new school kitchens, launch new programs for underserved communities, and ensure our financial sustainability.
We are pleased to announce Mike Taylor as the new president of Feed the Hungry San Miguel, Inc., as well as several new members of our Board of Trustees and Advisory Council.
On behalf of the entire organization, I thank you for your support during the past year, and for helping us continue to serve the needy in our community in 2023.
Jennifer Venkatraman, President, Feed the Hungry A.C.
Dear Jen,
We have never been able to assist Feed the Hungry for various reasons but perhaps can help with your March Magic event.. I have ten years experience with the Patronato Historical Walking Tour and am willing to help with the tour. Depending on the circumstances we may be able to host the group in our home for a meal.
If not this year, consider our offer for next year.
Jerry and Carmen Davis