Dear Friend,

The boy took his cup of porridge from the cook, walked a few steps, and pulled a plastic bottle from his pocket. Carefully, he poured half the porridge into the bottle, capped it, and tucked it back into his pocket.

As he drank what remained, his teacher approached. "Why did you save some in the bottle?"

The boy's answer: "I'm not so hungry right now, and lunch isn't far away. I'll be hungry this evening, and I will have it then."

Such is the reality for many of our students—but you can help.

Nearly all nursery and primary school children are day scholars who often go to bed hungry and arrive at school with empty stomachs. Their families simply cannot afford nutritious food.

By ten o'clock in the morning, these children eagerly line up at the kitchen for their big cup of porridge—often their first food of the day.

Afterward, there's still time to play before heading back to class feeling satisfied, focused, and ready to learn.

With food prices escalating, many schools have eliminated breakfast programs. That cannot happen at Mustard Seed. These children depend on the two meals they receive at school to stay healthy and continue growing.

Your impact is tangible: A daily serving of porridge costs less than 15 cents. For an entire term, it's about $13 per student.

Your gift today will keep a child nourished and ready to learn.