ECD Feeding program

Youth for Development and Productivity (YODEP) provides vital maize-based porridge to combat hunger and malnutrition among children attending Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers in Malawi. Many children attend school on an empty stomach, and YODEP's daily meal significantly improves their health, concentration, and attendance. However, due to limited funding, the program currently reaches only 34 out of 413 targeted ECD centers (8%) with support from Marrys Meals, serving 1,870 children while leaving 22,715 children without support.

A critical gap looms as ECD centers closed for holiday from 23 July to 24 September 2025. When schools reopen, on 24th September, children will probably return malnourished. YODEP urgently seeks funding to resume and expand porridge provision post-holiday, aiming to scale coverage from 8% (2025) to 30% (2026). This expansion is essential to ensure vulnerable children return to classrooms nourished and ready to learn.

Supporting this initiative is highly cost-effective, requiring just $1 per child per week ($0.2/day). A donation of $12 feeds one child for an entire school term (for 3 Months). YODEP appeals for contributions to procure maize, sugar and deliver meals, with emphasis that every dollar will provide immediate nutrition, boost attendance and cognitive development, and build healthier futures for Malawi’s youngest learners.