Feeding and Discipleship
Manos de Jesus operates three feeding and discipleship programs in the villages of Paquixic, Xepocol and Saquilla in the Chichicastenango region. Most of the people we serve suffer from malnutrition, not starvation. Twice weekly, each program provides a nutritious meal of meat, fruits, and beans, along with bible education programs for children and widows. These programs collectively serve over 1500 meals each week and are staffed by the local church.
Manos de Jesus’s feeding programs are funded and administered at the community level, not the individual level – we do not provide child sponsorships.
We have chosen this approach for the following reasons:
- It is more cost-effective and maximizes the food that can be purchased in terms of quantity and nutrition. Over 95 cents of every dollar goes directly to the programs.
- Providing relief at the village and family level is more supportive to the leaders and care providers of the community and is therefore more sustainable. Support at the individual level can actually divide villages and families by creating haves and have-nots.