Child Protection Romania Project #56396

Healthy Meals for Special Needs Romanian Orphans

by The Delia Foundation

Summary

At our Delia's Center for Special Needs Kids we will continue to provide nutritious meals to kids who have physical, cognitive disabilities and developmental disabilities including autism. Many of our kids live in rural villages, without refrigeration or running water. Our goal is to improve physical well-being and positively impact academic success through proper nutrition. We serve over 4,000 meals and healthy snacks to 50 kids attending our Center in the country's most impoverished region.

$14,000
total goal

$2,643
remaining

92
donors

0
monthly donors

2
fundraisers

3
years

Challenge

Children come hungry to Delia's Center for Special Needs Kids. Over 6% of Romanian children under 5 have growth stunted due to malnutrition. This figure increases In rural areas and for those with special needs; high levels of nutrient deficiency correlate to higher rates of disability and developmental delay. We provide healthy meals 5 days a week to disabled children attending our center. Our Nutrition Program is at risk because of the difficult financial climate for funding of non-profits.

Solution

The Delia Foundation's involvement in the community gives us insight into the lack of "whole body" interventions for kids with special needs, particularly orphaned and Roma children. Disability & malnutrition interact: nutrient malabsorption, social exclusion and feeding problems related to anatomic or motor impairments. We focus on education and life skills and getting kids attending school. Giving proper nutrition improves brain development & enables kids to be more successful and independent

Long-Term Impact

Romania ranks 3rd globally for children not attending school due to poverty or disabilities. Feeling well enough to perform in school is critical. Our nutrition program contribute sto developing special needs children, orphans and Roma children who are undernourished. Annually, we provide 4,000 meals, 2000+ snacks & 4,000 glasses of fresh squeezed juices. This makes a big difference for the future of vulnerable children. Please consider a monthly to provide the kids consistent nourishment!