The Sawhoyamaxa indigenous community, in the heart of Chaco, has experienced a day of celebration by enthusiastically welcoming the “Zero Hunger” school feeding program. The boys and girls of Elementary School No. 6250, in the Central Village of this community, enjoyed their school lunch for the first time, an important step forward in the fight against malnutrition and school absenteeism.
“Zero Hunger! Boys and girls who attend school receive their school lunch with joy,” said the Vice President of the Republic, Pedro Alliana, sharing images on social media that showed the excitement of the young beneficiaries. Indigenous leaders, such as Eriberto Ayala, teacher and community leader, also shared their satisfaction: “It is the greatest happiness to see the children enjoying this program in their own school, a small story that we share with pride.”
This achievement is part of the Paraguayan government’s efforts, which since August has implemented “Zero Hunger” in schools, covering 90 districts in its first stage and benefiting more than 450,000 children in 2,600 schools. The program, promoted by President Santiago Peña, seeks to eradicate child malnutrition and promote school attendance through collaborative work between State institutions.
In addition to improving the quality of life of students, the program boosts the local economy by integrating family farmers into the food supply. As announced, by February next year, the program will expand its coverage to the remaining 173 districts, thus reaching 100% of the country’s schools, in an action led by the governorates.
The “Zero Hunger” program marks a milestone in the country’s history, bringing hope and health to thousands of children who now have adequate nutrition for their comprehensive development.
