ACT Foundation – Food & Nutrition Support Program (“Nourishing Children, Building Futures”)
Program Purpose:
To ensure that orphaned, trafficked, abandoned, street-connected and homeless children under 18 have regular access to safe, nutritious and age-appropriate food, while addressing malnutrition and promoting healthy physical and cognitive development.
Key Services
- Daily nutritious meals and snacks for children in ACT-supported homes and shelters
- Emergency food packages for vulnerable children and families
- Nutritional assessment and monitoring
- Micronutrient and dietary support where clinically indicated
- Nutrition education for children, caregivers and families
- Special dietary support for children with identified nutritional or medical needs
- School feeding support for vulnerable children where appropriate
Service Delivery Process
- Identification & Referral
Children are identified through ACT programs, schools, shelters, child-protection agencies, community organizations and outreach activities. - Nutrition Assessment
Each child receives an age-appropriate assessment of nutritional status, dietary needs, food insecurity and any medical or dietary concerns, with referral to qualified health professionals when necessary. - Individual Nutrition Plan
Based on the assessment, ACT develops an appropriate feeding plan considering the child’s age, nutritional needs, culture, allergies and health requirements. - Food Procurement & Preparation
ACT obtains food through responsible purchasing, approved donors, food banks, farms and community partnerships. Meals are prepared and served according to appropriate food-safety and hygiene standards. - Food Distribution
Children receive regular meals and snacks through Angel Homes/Dream Homes, shelters, schools, community feeding centres or outreach programs, depending on their circumstances. - Monitoring & Follow-up
ACT monitors food intake, growth and nutritional wellbeing and refers children with suspected malnutrition or medical concerns to appropriate healthcare services. - Family & Community Support
Where appropriate, caregivers receive nutrition education and food-support resources to help maintain adequate nutrition after the child leaves ACT’s direct care.
Expected Outcomes
- Reduced hunger and food insecurity among vulnerable children
- Improved nutritional status and healthy development
- Improved school attendance, concentration and participation
- Reduced risk of malnutrition
- Increased access to safe and nutritious food
ACT Foundation’s commitment: No child should have to choose between going hungry and surviving on the streets. Every child deserves enough nutritious food to grow, learn and thrive.