1000 meals, 1000 opportunities – School meals in the high Andes (Corazones para Perú)

In Peru, state education lasts a total of eleven years. Although public schools are free to attend, families have to bear additional costs for materials, uniforms, and food. For many families in rural areas of the Andes, these expenses are barely affordable. In addition, children often have to work in agriculture, which means that their education takes a back seat.

Without adequate nutrition, many children suffer from deficiency symptoms, which significantly impairs their academic performance and cognitive development. 

Project goal

The aim of the project is to ensure that the most needy children in the high Andes receive basic care – above all, a healthy diet. Together with its partner association Herzen für eine Neue Welt e.V.​, Corazones para Perú supports up to 20 educational institutions with around 1,100 children.

The daily school meals not only strengthen the children physically, but also improve their academic performance and their long-term educational opportunities.

Project progress and development

The program is already showing tangible success: in addition to the immediate effect – a hot meal, fruit, and drinks every day – it leads to better academic performance and motivation in the long term. In addition, the children receive regular check-ups from doctors and dentists.

The meal plans are drawn up monthly in collaboration with nutritionists to ensure a balanced diet.

Challenges

A key challenge was to ensure the quality and efficient use of funds. Since cash payments to schools could not be adequately controlled, fixed suppliers were contracted. This ensures that only food is purchased – at better prices and of consistently high quality.

Conclusion

With this support, the children's nutritional situation has been noticeably improved. Every schoolchild now receives a hot meal every day, supplemented with fruit and drinks. This not only strengthens their physical and mental health, but also lays the foundation for better educational opportunities. The project impressively demonstrates that the surest way out of poverty is through education – and education begins with a full plate.