How the Church of Jesus Christ is supporting the nourishment of mothers and children across the globe

Rebecca Olds
·3 min read
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Madelyn Sofia Mendez Mateo (far right), a first-grade student in Planes de Rio Grande, Honduras, eats her meal during recess time with her classmates. “I love it when they serve spaghetti, tortillas, beans and rice,” said Sofía, who dreams of becoming a teacher or an engineer. The Church of Jesus Christ is supporting the efforts of Catholic Relief Services in various countries to provide girls and young women with nutrition education and counseling, micronutrient supplements and nutritious foods.
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In collaboration with Catholic Relief Services and other organizations, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is launching a “global effort” targeting poor health and malnutrition of children under 5 years old and their mothers.

A pilot project of the now global initiative was first announced by the First Presidency of the church in 2018 and then put into practice in the Philippines the following year.

The program is now helping mothers and children in 12 countries across the globe — the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Liberia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, the Philippines, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe, per the church release.

The Church of Jesus Christ is supporting the efforts of Catholic Relief Services in various countries to provide girls and young women with nutrition education and counseling, micronutrient supplements and nutritious foods. | Anny Djahova, Catholic Relief Services
The Church of Jesus Christ is supporting the efforts of Catholic Relief Services in various countries to provide girls and young women with nutrition education and counseling, micronutrient supplements and nutritious foods. | Anny Djahova, Catholic Relief Services

In the coming months, even more countries will receive aid.

Efforts are focused on improving access and understanding of three main areas:

  • Nutrition.

  • Immunizations.

  • Maternal and newborn care.

“We are committed to help alleviate malnutrition and prioritize the health and well-being of women and children,” said Blaine R. Maxfield, managing director of the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance Services, in a church release. “Our goal is to help God’s children reach their full potential.”

General Relief Society President Camille N. Johnson and her two counselors, Sister J. Anette Dennis and Sister Kristin M. Yee, will focus on getting families in need better access to health screenings and teaching mothers about nutritional and dietary care.

“We want to empower families,” President Johnson said in a church release. “In many cases, loving parents lack the knowledge to provide adequate nutrition for their children. With greater understanding and resources, they are better equipped to make changes that can have a lasting impact.”

Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson and Elder Ian S. Ardern of the Africa Central Area Presidency feed children with food provided by UNICEF and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in northeastern Uganda in March 2023. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson and Elder Ian S. Ardern of the Africa Central Area Presidency feed children with food provided by UNICEF and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in northeastern Uganda in March 2023. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Members of the church in each country volunteer with health experts to teach mothers about the nutrition their children need and help to address any concerns or urgent needs. Follow-up care is supported by ministering efforts in each ward and “bringing together the entire congregation,” said Sister Dennis in the church release.

“This project is something that comes naturally to women,” said Sister Yee in the release. “Relief Society sisters are already nurturing others in their homes and communities. Even if they aren’t directly involved (in this initiative), they’re part of a global sisterhood that is making a difference in people’s lives.”

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