History

This whole idea for an organization called Better Food for Better Kids was prompted by Laraine C. Abbey-Katzev’s observation that Bonaire's middle and high school, SGB, had serious problems and was in need of help.

The Founders Message

"As a psychiatric nurse and clinical nutritionist I know that social deterioration, learning and behavior problems, as well as mental and physical disease can all result from failed nutrition.  These are growing problems within the modern world nations, and Bonaire is no exception.

As many within the Bonaire community were concerned about such problems we began a Volunteer Listeners initiative working for change in both the physical and emotional environment within the school. We asked students and teachers to identify problems as they saw them and we reviewed a student petition for improvement and change.

A Health-Stress Questionnaire, which I developed, was approved and administered to 3rd year students just before the end of the 2008-2009 school year. The questionnaire assesses symptoms of ill health, eating habits, self-esteem, behavior problems, substance abuse and criminality.

We began working to inspire change at SGB. We considered the implementation of a corrective meal program at SGB, as a cornerstone of reversing problems at the school. One of our volunteers, felt this effort should start with younger children so we’ve broadened the mission to all schools on Bonaire and, in fact, all schools.

Success in Bonaire is possible because nutritional meal programs have transformed schools in other parts of the world, healing academic and behavioral problems and transforming the teaching environment-- a win-win for everyone.

These results contribute to change in many of the physical, mental, and social problems of the community at large, signaling others of the power of nutrition for improving our world.

The message is simple: 
Better food for better kids, a better life and a better world!