Project FEED 2020

Nourishing Communities, Building Hope

The Birth of Project FEED

When The Anita Oromoni Foundation launched Project FEED in 2020, we faced a critical moment in Nigeria’s fight against hunger. The combination of economic challenges and the global pandemic had pushed many families to the brink of food insecurity. We saw children coming to school hungry, elderly citizens skipping meals, and families struggling to put nutritious food on their tables. Project FEED emerged as our response to this crisis, but we knew that simply distributing food wasn’t enough – we needed to create lasting change.

Beyond Emergency Relief

Our approach began with immediate relief but quickly evolved into a comprehensive program for sustainable food security. We started by mapping out communities with the highest needs, working closely with local leaders to identify the most vulnerable families. What we discovered was heartbreaking: many households were surviving on one meal a day, with children often going to bed hungry.

In Lagos’s Makoko community, we found families living in floating houses who had lost their primary income sources. In rural areas of Oyo State, farmers were struggling to both produce food and feed their own families. These insights shaped our multi-faceted approach to fighting hunger.

The Daily Meal Program

We established community kitchens that became more than just feeding centers – they transformed into hubs of hope and learning. Local women were trained in nutrition and food safety, then employed to prepare meals that reflected both nutritional needs and cultural preferences. These kitchens served over 1,000 meals daily, with special attention to children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

The meals weren’t just about filling stomachs; they were carefully planned with nutritionists to provide balanced nutrition. A typical meal included locally-sourced proteins, fresh vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. For many children, this was their first experience with certain nutritious foods, leading to educational opportunities about healthy eating.

Education as a Tool for Change

We discovered that many families wanted to eat better but lacked the knowledge and resources to do so. Our nutrition education programs became a cornerstone of Project FEED. In community centers and schools, we taught practical skills:

Mothers learned to create nutritious meals on tight budgets. Children discovered the importance of different food groups through interactive games. Fathers participated in cooking classes, breaking down gender barriers in food preparation. These sessions created lasting change in how families approached nutrition.

Growing Hope: The Community Garden Initiative

One of our most successful programs was the establishment of community gardens. In urban areas, we transformed unused lots into productive growing spaces. In rural areas, we helped families start kitchen gardens. These gardens did more than provide fresh produce – they became outdoor classrooms where people learned about sustainable agriculture, composting, and water conservation.

The story of Mama Blessing in Ibadan captures the impact perfectly. Using the skills learned through our program, she transformed her small backyard into a thriving vegetable garden. Today, she not only feeds her family but sells excess produce at the local market, creating a sustainable income source.

School Feeding Program: Nurturing Young Minds

In schools, we witnessed how proper nutrition directly affected learning. Our school feeding program ensured that students received breakfast and lunch, leading to remarkable improvements in attendance and academic performance. Teachers reported more engaged, energetic students. Parents noted their children were healthier and happier.

At Saint Mary’s Primary School in Lagos, attendance increased by 40% after implementing our feeding program. Students who once struggled to concentrate were now active participants in class discussions. The school garden program taught them practical skills while providing fresh vegetables for school meals.

Community Empowerment

Project FEED became a catalyst for community development. Local vendors were contracted to supply food, creating economic opportunities. Women received training in food preparation and business management, with many starting their own food-related businesses. Community leaders became advocates for nutrition and food security.

Sustainable Impact

By the end of 2020, we had achieved remarkable results:

• Over 300,000 nutritious meals served

• 50 community gardens established

• 1,000+ families trained in nutrition and cooking

• 30 schools participating in feeding programs

• Significant reduction in malnutrition in target areas

But the numbers tell only part of the story. The real impact is seen in the transformed lives: children performing better in school, families eating healthier meals, communities working together to ensure no one goes hungry.

Looking Forward

Project FEED continues to evolve, adapting to community needs and incorporating new approaches to food security. We’re expanding our reach, developing new partnerships, and exploring innovative solutions to hunger. Our vision remains clear: a Nigeria where every person has access to nutritious food and the knowledge to maintain good health.

The success of Project FEED demonstrates that when communities come together with purpose and compassion, we can create lasting change. It’s not just about feeding people today – it’s about building a future where food security is a reality for all Nigerians.