For children living in poverty, hunger is a constant distraction. Malnutrition steals their energy, stunts their growth, and clouds their ability to learn. COV’s Nutrition programs provide nourishing meals and food support that turn a child's focus to learning, rather than their hunger.
Nutrition
For children living in multidimensional poverty, chronic hunger is more than a physical burden-it steals their futures. Malnutrition weakens immune systems, increases school absences, and impairs cognitive development, trapping children in bodies and minds which cannot thrive. When the most basic need for food isn’t met, every other opportunity remains out of reach.
By the numbers
Nearly 1 in 3 children under five in ethnic minority areas of Vietnam are malnourished (National Institute of Nutrition, 2023).
Malnutrition is a leading cause of stunting, negatively affecting long-term physical and cognitive development.
Without proper nutrition, children are more susceptible to illness, leading to increased school absenteeism.
Program
Our ‘Keeping Children Fed’ initiative provides more than just meals; it delivers the essential nourishment for a child's mental and physical health. By ensuring reliable access to fortified, nutritious food, children arrive at school ready to learn, grow, and can then envision a future beyond hunger. A nourished child is a healthy, attentive, and hopeful student.
Keeping Children Fed
●Keeping Children Fed
Building Healthier Futures, One Meal at a Time
We take a direct, community-centered approach to fighting malnutrition. Our program supplies fortified rice to preschools, elementary schools, and community centers in the most remote and disadvantaged areas of Central Vietnam. We work alongside teachers and parents, providing training and support for preparing and ensuring meals are not only served, but are embraced as a vital part of a child's development and education.
Our almost 30-year legacy of impact
>19.8 Million nutritious meals have been served to children and vulnerable elderly adults since our founding.
We work with the most marginalized communities in Central Vietnam's mountainous regions.
FY 2025 // Impact Focus
4,523,033 meals were served to a multigenerational population.
32,698 school children received daily nutritious meals.
162 preschools and elder care centers were supported with healthy food.
The program was expanded to two new provinces: Thua Thien Hue and Quang Tri.
When nutritious, fortified rice was first introduced to Hong Trung kindergarteners in A Luoi, the children were hesitant. Through patience, teacher training, and parent engagement, what began with children eating just 30% of their portions transformed to 70% within a year. Now, every child happily finishes their healthy meals six days a week.
From First Taste to Full Plates: The Transformation at Hong Trung Kindergarten
“At first, the rice smelled a little different. But once I understood its nutrition, I wanted my child to eat it every day.”
- Ms. Lê Thị Tem, Teacher and Parent
Lift a child out of poverty.
Today.
Explore More Programs
Children with Disabilities • Education • Keeping Children Fed • Empowering Mothers • Clean Water