Egg a Day

IGF understands that in order for our children to reach their full potential, we must holistically provide care, starting with quality nutrition. Nutrition is incredibly important to comprehensive health and academic performance of young children. Studies have suggested that animal protein is an excellent way to increase learning and IQ – perhaps by as much as 18 points! Protein assists in physical growth, can help students focus in class, and improve their overall health outcomes.

For all of these wonderful reasons, IGF is taking steps to sustainably introduce eggs into our feeding program. Jeff Miller and Dameon Smith, a professor and a researcher from the University of Arkansas, came to IGF in February to begin a study looking into the impact of eggs for the nutrition of children. Students in IGF schools will be receiving daily eggs and the results on their physical and mental development will be tracked over six months. This data will enable IGF to make the best decision about how to add eggs to the nutrition program.

Supplying the eggs is another challenge. Currently, all eggs in Kitgum come from Kampala, over 9 hours away by bumpy truck ride. This adds expense, reduces quality, and breaks lots of eggs. In response to the transport and cost issues associated with bringing in eggs, IGF decided to confront the issue by building our own chicken farm. Through the support of our wonderful donors, IGF has begun construction of this chicken farm designed to sustainably provide eggs to our children. By starting this business, IGF will help develop the agriculture sector in Kitgum which will provide jobs to widowed mothers, and provide eggs for growing children. Profits from the farm will support IGF, allowing for more children to enjoy more eggs. The end goal is for the farm to house 10,000 chickens, allowing each child to have one egg per day. We are very excited about this initiative and how it will positively affect the health and growth of the beautiful children at IGF.