“As mothers, we want to prepare the best for our children, but sometimes we just don’t have the resources… I’m excited to share these recipes with my community.”
— Marlyn, Community Health Worker, La Consulta
In Nicaragua, according to the Plan Nacional de Lucha Contra la Pobreza y para el Desarrollo Humano (National Plan for Fighting Poverty and Promoting Human Development), at least 3 out of 10 people struggle to survive on less than $1.25 a day, and for many families, providing nutritious meals is an ongoing challenge.
At AMOS Health and Hope, we believe that sharing knowledge with mothers is key to improving child nutrition. That’s why, in February, we returned to Villanueva to lead a hands-on nutrition workshop where community health workers and mothers learned to turn an unexpected ingredient—tree leaves—into powerful sources of nutrition.
One of the most surprising lessons? Jocote and ayote leaves
Jocote tree leaves – These leaves are rich in vitamins A, B, and C, and iron, which are essential in preventing anemia, especially in children. During the workshop, mothers learned to prepare a refreshing drink with jocote leaves and lemon, boosting iron absorption in a simple and accessible way.
Ayote leaves – From a native squash plant, these leaves provide protein, fiber, zinc, and magnesium—nutrients that are essential for child development and overall health. Mothers cooked tortas (savory patties) with eggs, peppers, onions, and ayote leaves, creating a nutrient-dense meal using everyday ingredients that are both accessible and affordable.
These recipes aren’t just meals—they are a solution. By using resilient plants like jocote that thrive in dry climates, mothers have a reliable way to nourish their children and improve their nutrition, even when access to other foods is limited.
Mothers Teaching Mothers: A Ripple Effect
The impact of these workshops goes beyond the women who attend them. Community health workers play a crucial role in passing this knowledge from one mother to another, ensuring that more families have access to life-saving nutrition techniques.
By equipping mothers with practical skills and knowledge, AMOS is helping ensure that these lessons don’t stop at the workshop, but continue to be shared in homes, schools, and entire communities. This mother-to-mother education model strengthens entire villages, allowing women to take control of their children’s health and well-being.
The Power of Knowledge To Improve Nutrition
Nutrition is a key health issue, especially for young children (0-5 years). Through education and hands-on support, AMOS is facilitating women’s empowerment to turn everyday ingredients into powerful sources of nutrition for their children.
But knowledge alone is not enough. To continue providing education, resources, and support to more families in need, we must work together.
Help Us Reach More Mothers
Right now, countless mothers in rural Nicaragua are eager to learn how to provide better nutrition for their children, but they need access to education and support.
Donate today and help ensure that more women access the knowledge and resources they need to improve their children’s health.