Saturday – February 26, 2010
The NSRL/WISHH team joined our friends at CARE to discuss collaboration and partnership opportunities. We see great potential in working together to gain even greater impact in Honduras and Guatemala. The CARE team had kindly arranged a day of discussion with their team at their offices in Tegucigalpa. It was excellent to see the work they are doing and the results they are accomplishing.
We look forward to working together in the upcoming year on several efforts in the region.
After the meeting we said good bye to Jim Hershey and Nathan Ruby from WISHH and WSF as they headed home to the U.S.
Viji and I then worked on follow up items from the travel and we enjoyed a quick visit to the nearby Mall to pick up additional cellular minutes for Viji's mobile phone. It is Saturday night and it was fun to see all the people shopping and enjoying a night out.
We returned to the hotel to pack and arm wrestle with the NSRL display to contain it in its travel case and I am now ready to NSRL. Viji and Courtney will travel tomorrow to Nicaragua with our friends from Andifar Labs to the boarder where they will be met by our partners at the Fabretto Childrens Foundation. The team will then travel to Cusmapa to continue putting the details in place to begin our early childhood nutrition project.
It has been a successful and full visit to Central America and we are eager to continue the momentum gained from our time in the region. We look forward to continuing to positively impact the nutritonal needs in Guatemala and Honduras.
bco
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Meetings with soy in Tegucigalpa
Friday – February 25, 2010
This morning the team said their goodbyes and the Illinois Soybean Association team returned to Illinois with Dr. Hans Stein from the National Soybean Research Laboratory. They returned to the winter weather with many stories to share and with a deep understanding of the soy nutrition work underway in Central America.
The remaining NSRL/WISHH team traveled to Tegucigalpa to meet with the World Food Programme and with Escuelas Saludables, the Honduran National School Lunch Program. Discussions were had on the work recently completed in San Pedro Sula schools. Data was shared on the nutritional impact of the inclusion of textured soy protein (TSP) as well as the cost savings that were achieved through the soy usage.
In the afternoon, the team held a training workshop for the school and day care programs sponsored by Dona Lucretia Alverez, the wife of the Tegucigalpa Mayor. Dona Alverez has expressed great interest in soy and nutritional applications. The training session included hands-on cooking demonstrations with textured soy protein in several local recipes. This was such a joyful event. The ladies that participated were great fun and extremely quick studies in the kitchen. The technical service assistance provided by NSRL/WISHH is being sponsored by the Illinois Soybean Association.
In the evening the team reviewed the achievements from the trip and planned on the follow up activities.
This morning the team said their goodbyes and the Illinois Soybean Association team returned to Illinois with Dr. Hans Stein from the National Soybean Research Laboratory. They returned to the winter weather with many stories to share and with a deep understanding of the soy nutrition work underway in Central America.
The remaining NSRL/WISHH team traveled to Tegucigalpa to meet with the World Food Programme and with Escuelas Saludables, the Honduran National School Lunch Program. Discussions were had on the work recently completed in San Pedro Sula schools. Data was shared on the nutritional impact of the inclusion of textured soy protein (TSP) as well as the cost savings that were achieved through the soy usage.
In the afternoon, the team held a training workshop for the school and day care programs sponsored by Dona Lucretia Alverez, the wife of the Tegucigalpa Mayor. Dona Alverez has expressed great interest in soy and nutritional applications. The training session included hands-on cooking demonstrations with textured soy protein in several local recipes. This was such a joyful event. The ladies that participated were great fun and extremely quick studies in the kitchen. The technical service assistance provided by NSRL/WISHH is being sponsored by the Illinois Soybean Association.
In the evening the team reviewed the achievements from the trip and planned on the follow up activities.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Soy Visits throughout San Pedro Sula
Thursday – February 25, 2010
The team met with over 50 participants from the Conference and boarded buses to travel to our first field visit stop of the day. Over two years ago, WISHH/NSRL installed a SoyCow at the feeding center of Padre Peris. The Rotary Usula group donated the SoyCow to the organization to include a glass of soy milk for each child in their program. Father Peris is a local priest who has built a feeding center to serve lunch to over 80 children each day. The kitchen is large and bright with beautiful, hand-painted murals. The cooks have become experts at including the soy milk and okara from the SoyCow into their daily meals. Each child also receives a glass of soy milk with each meal.
After the visit to the Padre Peris’s program, the team and conference participants re-boarded the buses and traveled to Guaderia Numero Cuatro to see the textured soy protein (TSP) lunch program in action. The day care center has been using the TSP in the children’s meals for over a year. NSRL/WISHH with support from the Illinois Soybean Association and Cargill introduced the TSP and provide training and impact measurement assistance. The meals have been well liked by the children and the TSP has been found to be easy to prepare by the cooks. In addition to this, the day care centers have seen a cost savings as well as an increase in the protein content of the meals.
The team and the conference participants were now ready for lunch and the next project field visit. We traveled to CASA Aurora, a San Pedro Sula based non-governmental organization that supports families living with HIV/AIDS. Over two years ago, NSRL/WISHH began working with CASA Aurora by introducing TSP and demonstrating how to work with the soy protein in local recipes. The team at CASA Aurora took those initial training efforts and ran! They developed numerous soy –based recipes. These ladies are incredibly creative and talented chefs.
In 2009, NSRL/WISHH began a microenterprise effort with CASA Aurora through support from the Illinois Soybean Association and Cargill. Product information and training was provided by NSRL staff person Vijaya Jain and sales training and packaging assistance was provided by Distribudora del Caribe. The ladies of CASA Aurora began to market small packages of TSP into their community. Some of the CASA Aurora sales team even began producing food items including the TSP and marketing this as a higher value item throughout their neighborhoods.
A delicious soy lunch was prepared and served by the team at CASA Aurora. Many expressed how much they enjoyed the foods and how they were impressed at the use of soy in the local delicacies. It was a beautiful meal and showcased the talents of the ladies of CASA Aurora. Their creativity and culinary skills are always a treat to experience!
The team and conference participants then traveled to the Siboney School in Villanueva to see one of the Cargill Corporate Social Responsibility projects in action. This school is near a Cargill facility and teams of volunteers from Cargill built a beautiful, new kitchen facility for the school in 2009. They saw the value of nutrition in the school day and invested in the construction of the kitchen.
After all the visits, the team and conference participants had several great examples of corporate social responsibility in action. They also witnessed first-hand the impact of improved nutrition and the value of this type of investment.
Roundtable discussions were held in the afternoon for those interested in project development and collaboration discussions.
A team dinner was held at a local Mexican restaurant. We enjoyed a casual dinner where we could discuss our recent experiences and share everyone’s thoughts about the trip and about the work being done with soy in Central America.
The team met with over 50 participants from the Conference and boarded buses to travel to our first field visit stop of the day. Over two years ago, WISHH/NSRL installed a SoyCow at the feeding center of Padre Peris. The Rotary Usula group donated the SoyCow to the organization to include a glass of soy milk for each child in their program. Father Peris is a local priest who has built a feeding center to serve lunch to over 80 children each day. The kitchen is large and bright with beautiful, hand-painted murals. The cooks have become experts at including the soy milk and okara from the SoyCow into their daily meals. Each child also receives a glass of soy milk with each meal.
After the visit to the Padre Peris’s program, the team and conference participants re-boarded the buses and traveled to Guaderia Numero Cuatro to see the textured soy protein (TSP) lunch program in action. The day care center has been using the TSP in the children’s meals for over a year. NSRL/WISHH with support from the Illinois Soybean Association and Cargill introduced the TSP and provide training and impact measurement assistance. The meals have been well liked by the children and the TSP has been found to be easy to prepare by the cooks. In addition to this, the day care centers have seen a cost savings as well as an increase in the protein content of the meals.
The team and the conference participants were now ready for lunch and the next project field visit. We traveled to CASA Aurora, a San Pedro Sula based non-governmental organization that supports families living with HIV/AIDS. Over two years ago, NSRL/WISHH began working with CASA Aurora by introducing TSP and demonstrating how to work with the soy protein in local recipes. The team at CASA Aurora took those initial training efforts and ran! They developed numerous soy –based recipes. These ladies are incredibly creative and talented chefs.
In 2009, NSRL/WISHH began a microenterprise effort with CASA Aurora through support from the Illinois Soybean Association and Cargill. Product information and training was provided by NSRL staff person Vijaya Jain and sales training and packaging assistance was provided by Distribudora del Caribe. The ladies of CASA Aurora began to market small packages of TSP into their community. Some of the CASA Aurora sales team even began producing food items including the TSP and marketing this as a higher value item throughout their neighborhoods.
A delicious soy lunch was prepared and served by the team at CASA Aurora. Many expressed how much they enjoyed the foods and how they were impressed at the use of soy in the local delicacies. It was a beautiful meal and showcased the talents of the ladies of CASA Aurora. Their creativity and culinary skills are always a treat to experience!
The team and conference participants then traveled to the Siboney School in Villanueva to see one of the Cargill Corporate Social Responsibility projects in action. This school is near a Cargill facility and teams of volunteers from Cargill built a beautiful, new kitchen facility for the school in 2009. They saw the value of nutrition in the school day and invested in the construction of the kitchen.
After all the visits, the team and conference participants had several great examples of corporate social responsibility in action. They also witnessed first-hand the impact of improved nutrition and the value of this type of investment.
Roundtable discussions were held in the afternoon for those interested in project development and collaboration discussions.
A team dinner was held at a local Mexican restaurant. We enjoyed a casual dinner where we could discuss our recent experiences and share everyone’s thoughts about the trip and about the work being done with soy in Central America.
Nutriton Solutions for Central America Conference
Wednesday – February 24, 2010
The day began with the opening of the Nutritional Solutions for Central America Conference in San Pedro Sula. The Conference is a partnership with Cargill, Fundahrse, World Soy Foundation (WSF), the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH), the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), and the National Soybean Research Laboratory (NSRL) of the University of Illinois. The conference was organized to bring together key decision makers from the government, industry, academia, and the non-governmental organizations to discuss creating nutrition solutions to the challenges of malnutrition in the nations of Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.
Over 80 people attended the first day of the conference. Representatives of Cargill, Fundahrse, WISHH, and Mr. Nathan Ruby of the World Soy Foundation opened the conference with welcome presentations. The conference featured presentations on the fundamentals of nutrition, an overview of the current nutritional status in the region by a representative from CARE, panel discussions from groups active in Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua, examples of the power of Corporate Social Responsibility programs in the region, and the importance of school lunch programs were all a part of the agenda.
The challenges of malnutrition in the region are significant but the business community, non-governmental organizations, and governmental representatives are dedicated to creating solutions and working together to make a positive impact for the lives of the people in Central America.
The first day of the conference ended with an invitation to participate in the project field visits the following day.
The team then enjoyed a lovely meal with our partners from Cargill and our friends from CARE at a local restaurant. Again, the company and the meal were excellent and great discussions were held on the work underway throughout the region.
The day began with the opening of the Nutritional Solutions for Central America Conference in San Pedro Sula. The Conference is a partnership with Cargill, Fundahrse, World Soy Foundation (WSF), the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH), the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), and the National Soybean Research Laboratory (NSRL) of the University of Illinois. The conference was organized to bring together key decision makers from the government, industry, academia, and the non-governmental organizations to discuss creating nutrition solutions to the challenges of malnutrition in the nations of Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.
Over 80 people attended the first day of the conference. Representatives of Cargill, Fundahrse, WISHH, and Mr. Nathan Ruby of the World Soy Foundation opened the conference with welcome presentations. The conference featured presentations on the fundamentals of nutrition, an overview of the current nutritional status in the region by a representative from CARE, panel discussions from groups active in Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua, examples of the power of Corporate Social Responsibility programs in the region, and the importance of school lunch programs were all a part of the agenda.
The challenges of malnutrition in the region are significant but the business community, non-governmental organizations, and governmental representatives are dedicated to creating solutions and working together to make a positive impact for the lives of the people in Central America.
The first day of the conference ended with an invitation to participate in the project field visits the following day.
The team then enjoyed a lovely meal with our partners from Cargill and our friends from CARE at a local restaurant. Again, the company and the meal were excellent and great discussions were held on the work underway throughout the region.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Shaking with soy in Guatemala City
Tuesday – February 23, 2010
The day began with a quick shake. A 5.6 magnitude earthquake shook Guatemala City just before 5 am. It was quite a way to wake up, especially for those asleep on the 11th and 12th floors. An aftershock was felt during breakfast later that morning.
The team then visited a local handicraft market in Guatemala City. It was a wonderful place to experience some of the local artwork. The craftsmanship on display included wood carvings, woven items, and intensely, bright colored fabrics. The market trip was also an opportunity for the group to purchase unique local items to bring home as memories of the trip and as gifts to family and friends.
After the market we headed straight to the airport to catch our early afternoon flight to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The group enjoyed a lunch at the airport. A particular favorite was Pollo Campero, a local fast food restaurant featuring very tasty fried chicken.
The group then visited El Salvador for an exciting 10 minutes as we connected to our final flight. The flights to San Pedro Sula were short and uneventful. After clearing customs, the group was reunited with NSRL staff person Courtney Tamimie and the NSRL/WISHH local consultant, Emy Reyes.
The team had a little time to check into the hotel before a dinner with our local partners, Cepudo. The dinner was held in a Chicago-style pizza restaurant for a little taste of home.
Cepudo is a non-governmental organization in San Pedro Sula. They have accomplished incredible work with assisting people with housing, improved nutrition, day care centers, clothing, books, furniture, and job and skills training, among many other wonderful programs offered by the organization.
NSRL/WISHH has been partnering with Cepudo through the support of the Illinois Soybean Association and Cargill to improve the nutrition of the meals served in the day care centers supported by Cepudo. This work has been well received by the food preparation teams and the children at the day care centers. The kids have scored the meals including the TSP as well liked through the acceptability work done by NSRL/WISHH. The food preparation teams have reported that the TSP has been easy to work with and has fit well with their existing recipes. In addition to this, cost savings were also reported.
The team returned to the hotel after dinner and briefly discussed the schedule for tomorrow. NSRL/WISHH staff put the finishing touches on preparation for the next day and the beginning of the Nutrition Solutions for Central America Conference.
Please check back tomorrow for more information on the Conference.
The day began with a quick shake. A 5.6 magnitude earthquake shook Guatemala City just before 5 am. It was quite a way to wake up, especially for those asleep on the 11th and 12th floors. An aftershock was felt during breakfast later that morning.
The team then visited a local handicraft market in Guatemala City. It was a wonderful place to experience some of the local artwork. The craftsmanship on display included wood carvings, woven items, and intensely, bright colored fabrics. The market trip was also an opportunity for the group to purchase unique local items to bring home as memories of the trip and as gifts to family and friends.
After the market we headed straight to the airport to catch our early afternoon flight to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The group enjoyed a lunch at the airport. A particular favorite was Pollo Campero, a local fast food restaurant featuring very tasty fried chicken.
The group then visited El Salvador for an exciting 10 minutes as we connected to our final flight. The flights to San Pedro Sula were short and uneventful. After clearing customs, the group was reunited with NSRL staff person Courtney Tamimie and the NSRL/WISHH local consultant, Emy Reyes.
The team had a little time to check into the hotel before a dinner with our local partners, Cepudo. The dinner was held in a Chicago-style pizza restaurant for a little taste of home.
Cepudo is a non-governmental organization in San Pedro Sula. They have accomplished incredible work with assisting people with housing, improved nutrition, day care centers, clothing, books, furniture, and job and skills training, among many other wonderful programs offered by the organization.
NSRL/WISHH has been partnering with Cepudo through the support of the Illinois Soybean Association and Cargill to improve the nutrition of the meals served in the day care centers supported by Cepudo. This work has been well received by the food preparation teams and the children at the day care centers. The kids have scored the meals including the TSP as well liked through the acceptability work done by NSRL/WISHH. The food preparation teams have reported that the TSP has been easy to work with and has fit well with their existing recipes. In addition to this, cost savings were also reported.
The team returned to the hotel after dinner and briefly discussed the schedule for tomorrow. NSRL/WISHH staff put the finishing touches on preparation for the next day and the beginning of the Nutrition Solutions for Central America Conference.
Please check back tomorrow for more information on the Conference.
Nutrition education and outreach plus soy lunch and a warm glass of soy milk
Monday – February 22, 2010
The day began with a beautiful, warm morning. We all commented on how it was nice to be away from winter for a few days.
The World Soy Foundation (WSF) and the National Soybean Research Laboratory (NSRL)/World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) had organized a nutrition training workshop for our partners at Cargill, CARE, and the Pediatric Association to focus on nutrition education and soy applications in local Guatemalan recipes. The participating group totaled over 20 people. Vijaya Jain led the workshop with practical nutrition education including why nutrition is important and how it affects various age groups. The local technical training group from Arrozgua then provided cooking demonstrations for the group to learn how to use textured soy protein (TSP) in local recipes. People noted how easy the TSP is to work with and how it doubles in size when hydrated. TSP is a dry, granulized soy protein product that when hydrated can be used in a wide variety of recipes in place of meat or to extend meat usage. It is a high protein product that absorbs the flavors of the system into which it is added. TSP provides an excellent, economical choice for use in countless recipes around the world.
At the workshop’s conclusion the group held a question and answer session and then departed for the planned visit to the Pediatrics Association in time for their daily lunch program. The Pediatrics Association is located near the Guatemala City trash collection area and serves the surrounding community with health services as well as providing a daily lunch to approximately 100 neighborhood children.
WSF and WISHH/NSRL through the support of the Illinois Soybean Association and Cargill are working with the Pediatrics Association to include TSP into their lunches. This is a low cost way to increase the protein content of the meals. The kids enjoyed today’s meal of TSP and meat patties and a tasty milk and tsp shake-like beverage. It is critical that these meals be as nutritionally strong as possible because this may be the only meal some of these children have all day.
After seeing the children enjoy their lunch the group headed across the City to visit Fundasninas, a home for girls. Fundasninas is home to over 30 girls aged 5 to 16. It is a warm and happy place which is immediately evident from the greetings we received from all of the girls.
WSF and NSRL/WISHH installed a SoyCow at Fundasninas last year. The equipment was donated to Fundasninas by the Rotary Metropoli Club in Guatemala City. The SoyCow is a piece of equipment that produces soy milk from whole soybeans. The milk is used in the meal programs for the girls. Okara is also produced in the soy milk process. The Okara offers protein as well as fiber and is included in the meals for the girls as well as in baked goods such as breads and cupcakes. Plans are in place to produce additional soy milk to market to local consumers.
Fundasninas is a special place created by Dona Isabel Bosch and has become very near to our hearts at WSF and NSRL/WISHH. The team brought soy cookies for the girls to enjoy with their soy milk. The team also brought some sporting equipment for the girls to enjoy. Small games of soccer and basketball and a few sidewalk chalk drawings were underway as the group said their goodbyes to the girls and the wonderful staff at Fundasninas.
To complete our first day in Guatemala City, the group celebrated with a dinner with Nutrica, a local company that produces many fantastic food products including corn soy blends. We enjoyed local Guatemala dishes at a restaurant near our hotel. The food and company were excellent and it provided a nice opportunity for all to get to know each other and to share their thoughts from our first, full day.
Please visit us tomorrow for more on our remaining time in Guatemala and our travel to Honduras in preparation for the upcoming Nutrition Solutions for Central America Conference.
The day began with a beautiful, warm morning. We all commented on how it was nice to be away from winter for a few days.
The World Soy Foundation (WSF) and the National Soybean Research Laboratory (NSRL)/World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) had organized a nutrition training workshop for our partners at Cargill, CARE, and the Pediatric Association to focus on nutrition education and soy applications in local Guatemalan recipes. The participating group totaled over 20 people. Vijaya Jain led the workshop with practical nutrition education including why nutrition is important and how it affects various age groups. The local technical training group from Arrozgua then provided cooking demonstrations for the group to learn how to use textured soy protein (TSP) in local recipes. People noted how easy the TSP is to work with and how it doubles in size when hydrated. TSP is a dry, granulized soy protein product that when hydrated can be used in a wide variety of recipes in place of meat or to extend meat usage. It is a high protein product that absorbs the flavors of the system into which it is added. TSP provides an excellent, economical choice for use in countless recipes around the world.
At the workshop’s conclusion the group held a question and answer session and then departed for the planned visit to the Pediatrics Association in time for their daily lunch program. The Pediatrics Association is located near the Guatemala City trash collection area and serves the surrounding community with health services as well as providing a daily lunch to approximately 100 neighborhood children.
WSF and WISHH/NSRL through the support of the Illinois Soybean Association and Cargill are working with the Pediatrics Association to include TSP into their lunches. This is a low cost way to increase the protein content of the meals. The kids enjoyed today’s meal of TSP and meat patties and a tasty milk and tsp shake-like beverage. It is critical that these meals be as nutritionally strong as possible because this may be the only meal some of these children have all day.
After seeing the children enjoy their lunch the group headed across the City to visit Fundasninas, a home for girls. Fundasninas is home to over 30 girls aged 5 to 16. It is a warm and happy place which is immediately evident from the greetings we received from all of the girls.
WSF and NSRL/WISHH installed a SoyCow at Fundasninas last year. The equipment was donated to Fundasninas by the Rotary Metropoli Club in Guatemala City. The SoyCow is a piece of equipment that produces soy milk from whole soybeans. The milk is used in the meal programs for the girls. Okara is also produced in the soy milk process. The Okara offers protein as well as fiber and is included in the meals for the girls as well as in baked goods such as breads and cupcakes. Plans are in place to produce additional soy milk to market to local consumers.
Fundasninas is a special place created by Dona Isabel Bosch and has become very near to our hearts at WSF and NSRL/WISHH. The team brought soy cookies for the girls to enjoy with their soy milk. The team also brought some sporting equipment for the girls to enjoy. Small games of soccer and basketball and a few sidewalk chalk drawings were underway as the group said their goodbyes to the girls and the wonderful staff at Fundasninas.
To complete our first day in Guatemala City, the group celebrated with a dinner with Nutrica, a local company that produces many fantastic food products including corn soy blends. We enjoyed local Guatemala dishes at a restaurant near our hotel. The food and company were excellent and it provided a nice opportunity for all to get to know each other and to share their thoughts from our first, full day.
Please visit us tomorrow for more on our remaining time in Guatemala and our travel to Honduras in preparation for the upcoming Nutrition Solutions for Central America Conference.
Making a difference with soy in Central America
Representatives from the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), the National Soybean Research Laboratory (NSRL) at the University of Illinois, and the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) are traveling to Guatemala and Honduras during the week of February 21st to visit project sites and to participate in the Nutrition Solutions for Central America Conference in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Central America has a population of over 41 million people and is nestled between North America and South America. We currently have on-going projects in Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua, all countries challenged by malnutrition, especially among children.
ISA and NSRL/WISHH have been working together in the Central American region for over six years in projects designed to create nutrition solutions to the challenge of malnutrition in the region. The projects in 2009 and 2010 have also included partnership through a Cargill grant to the World Soy Foundation (WSF) to work on projects as part of their robust Corporate Social Responsibility Project. The projects have focused on nutritional solutions in the school lunch programs, early childhood nutrition, and microenterprise development.
The team members for this trip include; C.W. Gaffner – ISA Director, Tim Scates – ISA Director, Bill Wykes – ISA Director, Mark Albertson – ISA Staff, Vijaya Jain – NSRL Staff, Courtney Tamimie – NSRL Staff, Bridget Owen – NSRL Staff, Jim Hershey – WISHH Staff, Nathan Ruby – WSF Staff, and Nayeli Villanova – NSRL/WISHH Consultant.
We departed Illinois in a light rain and cold fog early Sunday morning. A portion of the group departed from St. Louis, others from Chicago and one from Peoria. Today was a challenging day to fly with several of the group experiencing flight delays and re-routing of itineraries. It wouldn’t be international travel without a few schedule changes and extra time in the Miami airport!
NSRL staff person Courtney Tamimie said good bye to the group in Miami and traveled onto San Pedro Sula, Honduras to prepare for the upcoming Nutrition Solutions for Central American Conference to be held later in the week.
Even with the late departures, the group was re-united in Guatemala City where everyone shared travel updates and the details of the next day were discussed. It is great to be in Guatemala City and we are eager for the Monday’s schedule of meetings, trainings, and visits to our project sites.
Check back later this week to find out if the sun is shining in Central America and I’ll have updates on our visits to project sites and more about the conference.
ISA and NSRL/WISHH have been working together in the Central American region for over six years in projects designed to create nutrition solutions to the challenge of malnutrition in the region. The projects in 2009 and 2010 have also included partnership through a Cargill grant to the World Soy Foundation (WSF) to work on projects as part of their robust Corporate Social Responsibility Project. The projects have focused on nutritional solutions in the school lunch programs, early childhood nutrition, and microenterprise development.
The team members for this trip include; C.W. Gaffner – ISA Director, Tim Scates – ISA Director, Bill Wykes – ISA Director, Mark Albertson – ISA Staff, Vijaya Jain – NSRL Staff, Courtney Tamimie – NSRL Staff, Bridget Owen – NSRL Staff, Jim Hershey – WISHH Staff, Nathan Ruby – WSF Staff, and Nayeli Villanova – NSRL/WISHH Consultant.
We departed Illinois in a light rain and cold fog early Sunday morning. A portion of the group departed from St. Louis, others from Chicago and one from Peoria. Today was a challenging day to fly with several of the group experiencing flight delays and re-routing of itineraries. It wouldn’t be international travel without a few schedule changes and extra time in the Miami airport!
NSRL staff person Courtney Tamimie said good bye to the group in Miami and traveled onto San Pedro Sula, Honduras to prepare for the upcoming Nutrition Solutions for Central American Conference to be held later in the week.
Even with the late departures, the group was re-united in Guatemala City where everyone shared travel updates and the details of the next day were discussed. It is great to be in Guatemala City and we are eager for the Monday’s schedule of meetings, trainings, and visits to our project sites.
Check back later this week to find out if the sun is shining in Central America and I’ll have updates on our visits to project sites and more about the conference.
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