Page 10 - 2013 Annual Report

NUTRITION A Basic Human Need Good nutrition is directly linked to all aspects of a child’s growth and development, and LWB has expanded our work in this critical area to serve children across our program areas. Supplemental nutrition programs were continued in six orphanages, providing high quality formula or fortified rice cereal. We fully implemented a nutrition program in all of our orphanage school locations, increasing the learning potential for the kids in our classes. In our foster care program, all children aged 6 to 24 months now receive fortified rice cereal each month from LWB to prevent anemia and oral aversion issues. • Scientific studies prove that childhood malnutrition results in a decrease in activity levels, curiosity, social interaction, and brain development. • The most recent data released showed that the number of orphaned children on the Chinese mainland has increased by 24 percent since 2007 "Although the government continues to step up aid efforts, one-third of orphans are still living without regular help or are threatened by hunger, disease and insecurity.” Wang Zhenyao, Beijing Normal University LWB 2013 ANNUAL REPORT 10