Thanks to You – a Balanced Diet!

In the U.S., the quality and nutritional value of the school lunches provided in both public and private schools is top of mind.  U.S. students are provided nutritionally balanced meals, fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and many cuisine and flavor options at each meal.

In Uganda, the standard in all schools for the main meals of lunch and dinner is Posho and Beans.   Posho is a nutritious food that forms the backbone of the East African diet. It is predominantly made from maize flour, which is a good source of carbohydrates, providing the energy needed for the day-to-day activities of an active society.  Posho contributes to a well-rounded intake of proteins, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

The dried beans are prepared with onion, tomato and a mix of spices to bring flavor to the dish and provide a good source of protein.  

While our students are used to this as their staple meal, they of course crave additions to their normal diet.  Food prices in Uganda have been soaring, but our administration has been working hard to source local fresh foods that can supplement the students’ diet.  With the newly implemented Procurement Committee – the school has found a local supplier who is providing the staples at a significant savings from last year.  This has allowed the purchase of a lot more variety so the students are now consistently receiving a variety of vegetables, rice and meat with their Sunday meals.  Recent purchases of tomatoes, green peppers, bananas, corn flour (posho), onions, carrots, potatoes, cabbage and beans are below.

New recipes have been introduced by the Cateress who was hired to manage the meal preparation in the new Kitchen.  Our students are well-fed and happy with the new variety in their diet, and very thankful to all of their friends of John Paul School, for making this happen.

Interested in trying Posho and Beans at home?  Here’s a simple recipe.