Promoting a Child Feeding Program

There are numerous programs in place benefiting the welfare of children. From the United Nations (UN) alone, there are programs that protect children’s rights against armed conflict, human trafficking, and abuse. There are also programs protecting children’s human rights for food, shelter, clothing, education, and the right to play. The UN also has programs in place for children with disabilities, marginalized or indigenous children. To supplement the UN’s international children’s programs, local children’s programs also take place to directly address the local plight of children.

One local-based, children’s program is child feeding. Child feeding programs address the hunger of numerous street children and children of the slums. Often, these children are lucky to eat three to four times a week. They are lucky when they eat solid, substantial food. Child feeding programs initially address the most basic human need, which is food.  Below are some examples of local child feeding programs, their origins and programs.

Infant and Young Child Feeding Program (LINKAGES)-This worldwide child feeding program, which ran from 1996 to 2006 was funded by the United States Agency for International Studies (USAID) promoted five health-related practices: exclusive breastfeeding, timely and appropriate complementary child feeding, safe infant feeding in communities affected by HIV, better maternal nutrition, and the Lactation Amenorrhea Method as a safe, short-term, modern method of birth spacing.

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) - The SFSP is the single largest Federal resource available
for local organizations that want to combine a feeding program with a summer activity program for children. During the school year, nutritious meals are available for children through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.

Preda Foundation’s Street Child Feeding Program-This Philippine based program was initiated by the PREDA Foundation. P.R.E.D.A. stands for People's Recovery, Empowerment Development Assistance Foundation, a foundation working to win freedom and new life for imprisoned, trafficked, and abused children all over the world.

Given the limited marketing budget of foundations and non-government organization, a simple but effective strategy for promoting their cause is through the use of small print materials like flyers, brochures, postcards or bookmarks. Local printing services often provide reasonable and discounted rates for bulk print orders. Online printing services also provide added convenience. Online printers like Uprinting for example, also maintain blogs with savings and promo printing tips.