Combating Hunger: Protein Packages and Thorough Care

The Success Foundation, in collaboration with the Success Group, continues its mission to eradicate child malnutrition in Colombia. Through their monthly initiative, they provided protein-rich food packages to 50,661 children and their families, ensuring they had a nutritious meal at the end of the day. Furthermore, 17,513 children benefited from projects aimed at fostering emotional and mental well-being within their families.

Juan Carlos Calleja Hakker, president of the Success Group and the Foundation’s Board of directors, emphasized the importance of this work: Each food package that we deliver…dignifies lives and represents an investment that contributes to the economic and social development of the country and translates into the hope of a Colombia with zero malnutrition.

The Root of the Problem: Understanding Chronic Malnutrition

Chronic malnutrition, also known as stunting, arises from prolonged nutritional deficiencies and has far-reaching consequences on a child’s development. A study evaluating 14 variables related to chronic malnutrition revealed that approximately 989,000 children reside in areas where multiple factors contribute to this condition.

Diana pineda,director of the Success Foundation,highlights the long-term impact: The boys and girls who suffer (DNC) do not reach its maximum potential in physical or cognitive abilities…This entails consequences in adult life, reflected in lower educational achievements, difficulties in accessing worthy jobs and low income levels.

The Foundation reports that focusing on the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—from pregnancy to age two—is crucial. Their efforts have shown success, with one in three beneficiaries recovering from chronic malnutrition.

Power of Collaboration: Financial Support and Environmental Commitment

The Success Foundation’s initiatives are fueled by the contributions of various allies, including the success Group, its customers, employees, suppliers, and other institutions. Together, they have raised over $39 billion. Notably, 36% of this income ($14,358 million) came from recycling efforts within the Success Group’s retail operations, demonstrating a commitment to both environmental and social sustainability.

Carlos Mario giraldo, general manager of the Success Group, stated, These resources are our greatest commitment to the present and future of Colombian childhood.

Client donations through the “Donar Goticas” programme provided 67,448 nutritional food packages, totaling $10,319,554,598. Donors are reminded that these donations are tax-deductible.

Cultivating Opportunities: Food Security and Enduring Agriculture

Aligned with the FAO’s emphasis on local food production, the Success Foundation invests in programs that enhance food security in vulnerable communities. According to the FAO’s 2023 report on food security and nutrition, supporting local food production is vital for improving nutrition among children and women.

Recent data indicates that 24.7% of Colombian households experience moderate food insecurity, with 4.8% facing severe conditions. These figures are even higher in rural areas, where 31.2% and 5.7% of households, respectively, struggle with food insecurity.

In partnership with the One Social investment Foundation, the Success Foundation implemented home gardens and provided laying hens to over 100 coffee-farming families in La Plata, Huila. This initiative reduced chronic malnutrition by 2.1 percentage points and allowed families to redirect savings towards health and education.

The Foundation also co-finances 15 urban terraces in Medellín, Cali, and Bogotá, promoting urban agriculture through hydroponic systems. These terraces empower families,generate income,and provide social and environmental solutions. The projected commercial value of their production is $48,490,920.

Furthermore, the Success Foundation, in collaboration with Abaco and its Reagro program, recovers over 10,300 tons of surplus fruits and vegetables, benefiting more than 11,000 children.

Expanding the Focus: Prioritizing Mental Health

Recognizing the critical role of mental health in overall well-being, the Success Foundation is launching a mental health program targeting pregnant mothers, infants, and educators of children under five.This initiative aims to create safe and nurturing environments where children can thrive.

The program offers psychotherapeutic care through specialized clinical psychologists, providing individual and group sessions to address traumatic experiences, emotional distress, and parenting challenges.

Juan Carlos Callej of the Success Foundation emphasized the importance of this new focus: Just as the human brain is formed by 85% in the first 2 years of life, also the emotional well -being of people begins in the first years of life…For this, I want to highlight the decision we have made to promote the mental health of the thousands of children benefited and their families.