MISSIONER NEWSLETTER – Fall 2024
Melissa & Peter Altman, El Salvador
In July, the Soy Nutrition Program expanded to La Esperanza in Huizucar, where we support 26 women and their children thanks to our fellow missioner, Sarah Bueter (far right).
EL SALVADOR—The Soy Nutrition Program is committed to addressing food insecurity and fostering local leadership. Each month, we support hundreds of families with nutritious food and essential education, while also cultivating leadership in the communities we serve.
In Quesalapa, a rural community where we began our efforts earlier this year, 40 families come together monthly to receive soy milk and food packets containing beans, rice, oats, and other staples. These gatherings also feature educational workshops, equipping families with the knowledge to enhance their health and well-being.
A key figure in Quesalapa is Jaqueline, a remarkable 20-year-old university student studying physical therapy. In a region with limited educational opportunities, Jaqueline’s achievements are inspirational. Thanks to scholarships through Maryknoll Lay Missioners, she has progressed from high school to higher education.
Jaqueline’s commitment to her community is evident in her volunteer work through the Soy Nutrition Program. She helps identify families in need, particularly mothers with children and senior citizens facing food insecurity. She also leads workshops on nutrition and self-care during our monthly meetings. Jaqueline shares, “Promoting health can be challenging, but the presence of the Soy Nutrition Program and our regular meetings make this work easier. It fulfills me to raise awareness about nutrition and self-care, which are crucial for improving our community’s quality of life.”
Jaqueline also sees the broader impact of our program: “Providing families with food gives them a sense of security, especially in a community with limited resources. Our educational talks create awareness about food and caring for loved ones, which has been a new and valuable experience here.”
In addition to our work in Quesalapa, we are also making strides in another community with significant needs.
In July, our program expanded to La Esperanza in Huizucar, where we support 26 women and their children thanks to our fellow missioner, Sarah Bueter. La Esperanza, once plagued by gang violence, has recently become safer, but the aftermath of the government crackdown on gangs has left many mothers and children in need. Sarah meets with the mothers and their young children monthly to distribute food packets and build community. Local volunteers assist in packing the food, and a health promoter attends to offer support, weigh the children and provide immunizations.
Your support is crucial. By donating to the Soy Nutrition Program, you’re not just feeding families—you’re empowering young leaders like Jaqueline and supporting communities like La Esperanza. Together, we can continue to nourish families, foster education, and create brighter futures.
Thank you for your unwavering support. Your generosity is making a profound impact on the lives of families and young leaders in our programs. Please consider making a donation today to help us sustain and expand our efforts. Your contribution, no matter the size, helps us provide essential resources and support to those in need.
Please consider supporting our mission work at the Soy Project with a donation through the link below. You can follow us on Facebook @Soy Nutrition Program El Salvador and Instagram @soy_nutrition_elsalvador.
We also invite you to walk with us as our “COMPANIONS IN MISSION.” Companions in Mission are friends and generous donors who give financial gifts on a regular (usually monthly) basis. For more information, click on the Become a Companion in Mission button below. Thank you so much for your generosity!
Melissa and Peter Altman, with their two children, Eli and Evey, are serving as Maryknoll lay missioners in El Salvador.
