Nourishing Hope: How Daily Porridge and RUTF Are Transforming Nutrition at BLC

At Bududa Learning Center, we know that a child cannot learn on an empty stomach. That’s why the Children of Bududa’s Nutrition Intervention Program is more than a support service - it’s a lifeline. In our community, undernutrition is a persistent challenge that threatens children’s health, development, and ability to thrive in school. But through a simple, targeted intervention, daily porridge combined with Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), we’re seeing incredible results and progress.

A Daily Boost: The Power of Porridge + RUTF

Each day, students enrolled in the Children of Bududa program drink a warm, nutritious cup of porridge, made from oats, powdered milk and sugar. While it may seem simple, this daily meal fills critical nutritional gaps, providing children with essential calories and nutrients they may not otherwise get at home. The porridge helps stabilize energy levels, improve concentration in the classroom, and support overall growth. We complement their porridge intake with RUTF, a high calorie, nutrient dense supplement designed to treat acute malnutrition. When taken alongside daily porridge, the results are profound.

Some of our current COB students in the Nutrition Intervention Program

The Results We’re Seeing

Teachers and caregivers are already reporting visible improvements. Children who once struggled to stay awake in class are now alert and attentive. COB Nurse (and alum of the program) Medina said these “supplements contain food values which has made the children grow, gain weight, have energy, a boosted immunity, their bodies are able to fight common illnesses.” COB Social Worker Martha shared that healthier children lead to a decrease in medical costs, better physical appearance and improved academic performance. Moreover, parents and guardians have reported that these children are now able to help with household chores such as fetching water from the well, collecting firewood and cutting grass for animals.

Their bodies are growing stronger. Their minds are more focused. And their futures are looking brighter. 

Why This Matters

Nutrition isn’t just about food, it’s about dignity, opportunity, and the chance for every child to reach their full potential. With this simple yet effective program, we're not only addressing hunger but laying the groundwork for lifelong learning and success.