As a self-professed foodie, I’m game to try almost anything twice (because the first time you try something new, there’s a chance you’ll find it strange. Give it a second try, just to be sure!) But of all the things I’ve tasted and come to love, my favourite food – hands down – remains the humble egg.
What’s in an egg?
Eggs are so nutritious that they’re often described as nature’s perfect food. They’re rich in protein and vitamins A, B, D, E and K. They’re a source of healthy fats and minerals. In fact, they are such a veritable who’s who of essential nutrients that they’ve become a staple of the human diet for centuries. Plus, they go well with just about anything and you can prepare them any number of delicious ways.
In short, I’m convinced the egg is the most versatile and amazing food on the planet. As it turns out, I’m not the only one.
Laying the foundation for good health
Because eggs are nutrient-dense and protein-rich, they’re the ideal food to add to a growing child’s diet. But animal-source proteins – including eggs – can be too expensive or too difficult to access in many developing countries. To circumvent this, World Vision introduced small animal-raising as a way for parents to strengthen their children’s food security, health and nutrition.
Parents are trained on raising poultry and other small animals, connected with local programs to get veterinary support for their livestock, and taught how to prepare nourishing meals. By incorporating eggs into their diet and cultivating a sustainable means of replenishing their food source, families become more resilient over time.
The chicken and the egg
In Afghanistan, female-headed households struggle to purchase everyday food items, furthering food insecurity and malnutrition in communities. Through a program funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs Trade and Development in Canada, World Vision works to provide these families with chickens. This allows them to supplement their diet and provides an ongoing source of income.
“My chickens give me seven eggs per day. Before, I rarely bought eggs as we couldn’t afford it. Now I have eggs every day and cook them for my nieces and nephews,” says Fowzia, one of the beneficiaries.
In Zambia, Catherine’s family received four chickens through the World Vision Gift Catalogue. At first, she was disappointed and skeptical. “I thought, a chicken, so what? Can they do anything?” Catherine asked. “I didn’t realize the potential in those chickens.”
Combined with the knowledge Catherine gained in livestock training, her four chickens quickly increased to 70. She used some of those chickens to buy two ducks, which soon increased to 45. Catherine then used some of those ducks to buy goats. And eventually even pigs!
Padrick, 10, with his family, holding a bowl of eggs from chickens they got through the Gift Catalogue.
“The same four chickens have made me what I am today,” says Catherine. Before the chickens came, her family faced hunger all the time. Today, her son Padrick goes to school with his stomach filled. “Whatever he needs, we’re able to provide,” says Catherine. “All this would have not been possible without the chickens.”
An over easy way to give back
This Christmas season, World Vision is once again partnering with our friends at Burnbrae Farms to give Canadians the opportunity to provide families with hens and roosters – and eggs!
"We are thrilled to be continuing this amazing partnership with World Vision. Making a difference is a top priority of Burnbrae Farms and knowing that we've played a role in a million eggs reaching children and their families in developing countries is incredible." says Margaret Hudson, President of Burnbrae Farms.
Burnbrae estimates that the average hen provides up to 300 eggs per year, meaning our partnership has already provided families around the world with approximately one million nourishing eggs to date.
For the sixth year running,
Burnbrae Farms will match every Hens and Roosters gift purchased from the
World Vision Gift Catalogue (up to $10,000.)
The next time I’m cooking up a batch of scrambled eggs, I’ll be thinking about families like Catherine’s - who have hens and roosters thanks to generous Canadians and Burnbrae Farms. There’s still time, so let’s get cracking. Please Like and Share our post above and help us reach our goal of 2000 Likes by Sunday!