Feed The Children

There have been several letters to the editor in the local press from students and teachers regarding the fact that children are showing up to school hungry every day. How is this possible in a country where most people live in rural areas where they could grow more food than theycould ever eat? If a country cannot feed it's people, how can it afford to export food?

    While it is obvious that being too thin is a result of poor nutrition, obesity is also a sign of malnutrition. The general lack of interest in and knowledge of food, nutrition, and cooking is also disturbing to a person who comes from Food Heaven (San Francisco, California).
   The most important factor in proper nutrition, homeostasis, and a clear complexion is lots of water. Water is vital to proper digestion, respiration,and circulation. A properly hydrated  body and brain also have more energy.Water a lso keeps our largest organ, our skin, from drying out or getting too oily.
   "Water, water,everywhere, and not a drop to drink." Finding a way to provide FREE, chilled water for our children, as well as residents and visitors needs become a national priority. It is uncool to force everyone to buy water of dubious quality (there was a bee in a bottle of Crystal I bought) in bottles that may cause health problems. It's hot down here. To maintain good health, a person needs a LOT of CHILLED water every day.
   Enough water falls out of the sky with every storm to supply all of Belize's water needs for a year. All needs be done is to capture, filter, chill, and dispense. The central government could justify it's existence by this one act alone. Fortunately, Belizeans do not need to wait for the government to act. A simple rainwater collection system can be set up with minimal cost and infrastructure. (See link on this site)
   As for the bambinos, how lame is it that there is no school food program? Very. Every child that shows up at a school could get a big bowl of cornmeal mush, oatmeal, or cream-of-wheat with a glass of milk and fresh juice. For lunch there could be peanutbutter-and-jelly sandwiches on whole grain breads or refritos and corn tortillas with a green salad from the school garden. For an after school snack there could be all the bananas and papayas and guavas and mangoes and oranges and pineapples they can carry.
   Before, during and after school, the children should be able to work in the schools organic garden. This way they will have at least one useful skill when they graduate. By growing their own food, the youth of tomorrow will learn about the environment, nutrition, horticulture, recycling, and proper food  preparation. And, they and their families will eat well. When they are properly fed, then we start a Physical Education program.....

Brother Joseph