FCCLA chapter helps pack food at Mercy Meals

    Chase County FCCLA contributed its time and energy to Mercy Meals in Wauneta on Nov. 15.
    Together with  Imperial  Zion Lutheran Church volunteers, 9,288 were prepared that evening.
    FCCLA Advisor Sheryl Curtis said their chapter takes pride in helping with community service events.
    She provided the following information about Mercy Meals.
    Mercy Meals provides carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals by utilizing a mixture of rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables, chicken flavored vitamin and mineral powder.  With these ingredients, all of the essential amino acids needed for complete nutrition are present.
    Each package serves up to six children at a cost of approximately 12 cents.
    Poor nutrition plays a role in at least half of the 10.9 million deaths among children each year. In developing countries, almost one out of every 15 children will die before they reach the age of five.  The main cause of child hunger is poverty.
    There are two basic types of malnutrition that are targeted with the food prepared by Mercy Meals:
    Protein-energy malnutrition, or the lack of enough protein (from meat and other sources) and food that provides energy (measured in calories) which are supplied by all the basic food groups.
    Micronutrient, or vitamin and mineral deficiency.