CHITHANDO - A VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING PROGRAM

by: Chikumbutso Gasper Willard - 11|05|2023

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With funding from Goal Malawi in February 2013, a group of dedicated women from several villages in T/A Mbenje and Mlolo decided to take action to address the issue of malnutrition among under-five children in their communities. Inspired by the nutritional food preparation demonstrations they had attended, which showed how to prepare a diversified and nutritious flour using locally available resources, these women decided to start a voluntary community complementary feeding program called Chithando.

The women, who were mainly pregnant and lactating, began contributing their own locally available foods and processing the porridge flour under the guidance of FACE officers. They cooked the porridge and distributed it to both malnourished and normal under-five children every week at an agreed date and time.

The aim of this program was to achieve a balanced meal through food availability and quality preparation, with the ultimate goal of reducing malnutrition levels in the community.

Two other groups of women, from Nyanjidu and Butao, also joined in the efforts to combat malnutrition.

They contributed their own resources and processed nutritious flour for under-five children, distributing it at the household level to lactating mothers.

The Chithando program was a great success, with many children benefiting from the nutritious food and the dedicated efforts of the community.

It serves as a powerful example of how communities can come together to address important issues, using their own resources and knowledge to make a positive change.