Family Meals Across the Globe
On International Day of Families, May 15th, we’re celebrating something that brings families together all over the world – food. Family meals are an important tradition no matter where you come from, they’re a chance to come together, share food and stories and reconnect with the people we love.
Samuon, An and their father Deoum An (Cambodia)
Samuon sprinkles some salt into soup and tastes it. “It needs more,” she says, with the confidence of a seasoned chef. She scoops another spoon of salt from the jar and stirs it in, then tastes again. “Mmm – this time it’s nice”.
Samuon’s special soup is packed with veggies grown in her home garden. Each day she cooks lunch and dinner for her younger brother and her father. The small family sits together enjoying Samoun’s cooking and each other’s company.
For Samuon’s father Deoum it’s difficult to watch his 13-year-old daughter taking on the responsibility of looking after the family.
“Both my children have to work so hard … I feel responsible for all the tasks at home like looking after the vegetable garden, cooking, washing up, going to the market, cooking and carrying the water in the dry season. But the children have to do it all now.”
His slight frame shows signs of worsening illness. At just 36 he now sits helplessly watching his children grow up too fast. The death of their mother his ailing health has left their future uncertain.
“I try my best to raise my children. But I don’t know what’s going to happen to me in the future, so that’s why I teach Samuon how to do the cooking and take care of the garden here.”
Deoum’s efforts have been supported by the children’s school where they receive a daily breakfast and learn about nutrition and how to grow vegetables in their school garden with support from Plan International and the UN World Food Programme. This means Samoun and her brother An can stay in school, get an education and stay healthy.
Despite enduring circumstances no young person should have to face, Samoun’s resilience and pride in taking care of her family is clear. For now, she and her family take the time to enjoy their soup and the chance to come together as a family and while the future is uncertain, the love of her father and support of her school mean she and her brother will be well equipped for the future. For this family food is love and hope.
In Cambodia
In Cambodia, a meal will often consist of a few dishes with contrasting flavours and textures. Rice is a staple food for most dishes and can be eaten with pickled vegetables and meat. Fish Amok is a popular traditional Cambodian meal, a fish curry it’s often called Cambodia’s national dish
School Meals Project
Around 66 million children go to school hungry in the developing world. In Cambodia alone, 40% of kids under 5 years old are chronically malnourished, and just 45% of Cambodian kids finish primary school.
We think that’s not good enough. Together, we can do something about it.
Whole Kids has teamed up with our friends at Plan International for a life-changing community partnership for kids in Cambodia. We’re aiming to deliver 500,000 nourishing meals to school children in Cambodia. A nutritious start to the day can often mean the difference between staying in school or dropping out.
Whenever you buy a Whole Kids product, you’re not only giving your kids a healthy organic snack that’s free from artificial nasties, funny numbers and GMOs, you’re also helping to create a real difference to the lives of these school children.
A portion from every sale of every Whole Kids product provides a nourishing brekkie of rice, veggies and protein