Provision of Humanitarian Assistance to Institutionalized People

UMCOR's Nutrition Department implements programs that support vulnerable people living in state institutions by improving their nutrition, health and quality of life. Approximately 10,046 children and elderly living in orphanages, retirement centers, special schools, mental and TB hospitals, and attending soup kitchens have improved their daily diets because of the Humanitarian Assistance to Institutionalized People (HAIP) program supported by the U.S. Department of State. To achieve this goal, UMCOR works closely with the Armenian ministries of health, education and science, social affairs, and employment.

Through the program, UMCOR is purchasing and delivering 20 metric tons of locally produced cheese. Beneficiaries are receiving 40 grams of cheese on a daily basis. It is about 7.5% of their daily energy (protein) needs. Many beneficiaries explain that there are days when their institution gives only bread and cheese with tea for breakfast or supper because there is no other food available. Malnutrition threatens lives, undermines the proper physical development of a child's body, including the brain, which science has proven impacts the ability to learn. Malnutrition also increases a child's vulnerability to illnesses and sets the stage for long-term health problems. In elderly people, malnutrition exacerbates other medical problems.

The UMCOR-supplied cheese supplements government food allocations. This is an important food supplement to Armenia's children, its disabled and its elderly, especially because the government has not made changes in its own allocations.

Considering the fact that dairy products are very expensive, particularly powdered milk, the HAIP program becomes an economical way to improve diets, provide energy (protein), calcium and other important vitamins and minerals to both children and adults. UMCOR especially works with institutions that do not receive support from other organizations, thus increasing the significance of this food contribution.

UMCOR implements the program with the support of local cheesemakers who are selected via open, transparent bids.

In addition to improving the diets of institutionalized people, HAIP benefits the Armenian dairy industry, from farm families to cheesemakers. In addition, local dairy factories have contributed 6.2% of the total cheese procurement costs to the program so institutions can receive more cheese.

Program beneficiaries are :

• 4,637 vulnerable institutionalized children living in the orphanages and special schools for disabled and handicapped individuals.
• 1,266 vulnerable institutionalized elderly living in retirement centers and mental hospitals.

UMCOR beneficiaries have regularly received hygiene and school kits and bedding packages provided through UMCOR.