Belize

The health challenges facing children of the remote districts of Belize, where SHI works, directly impact their ability to learn and function effectively in school.  Chronic poverty and lack of proper nutrition jeopardize the health, well-being, and future of people living in the Toledo District.  Addressing agricultural education, nutrition and food security in 20 village schools will greatly benefit the health, education and academic performance of the children.

The Toledo School Feeding Program seeks to provide an enabling environment that will result in children eating nutritious lunches in targeted communities, as well-fed children will be better prepared to handle the challenges of learning.  This project is key to addressing many related issues, including availability of food, parental understanding and support for the programs, food preparation, balanced meals transcending into the homes, among others.  The direct beneficiaries are the children that require healthy meals to improve their growth and development; however entire communities will benefit as SHI and Annie's Homegrown help to raise the quality of life in general.

To help support Annie’s-SHI’s work in this country, please enter the Annie’s Free Year Sweepstakes and vote for Belize.

Belize Quick Facts (Source: UNICEF)

• Belize's population is estimated to be at approximately 300,000.

• The country is a melting pot of many races and over the years the multi-racial make-up has risen through the influx of many people of Central America, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean.

• While Belize has achieved significant economic growth in recent years, its progress masks steep economic inequities. Social services for women and children, already perilously thin, face further cuts as the government addresses a staggering national debt, which now equals 100 per cent of GDP.

• Stunting due to malnutrition affects about one child in five. The figure among boys in some Maya communities is more than twice as high.

• Primary school enrolment is above 95 per cent, but rates of drop-out, grade repetition and failure remain high. Only a quarter of poor children continue on to secondary school.