Daily Meals Reduce Malnutrition at Ugandan Hospital

KAABONG, UGANDA — A once-struggling 400-bed hospital is witnessing a remarkable transformation thanks to the introduction of Mercy Chefs Global’s daily feeding program. Before the program, families—unable to afford care and food—were abandoning their sick and elderly at the hospital gates. Now, with the assurance of two hot meals a day, families are staying with their loved ones, offering much-needed support.

This shift has also eased the burden on hospital staff, who can now focus more on medical care rather than patient hygiene and emotional well-being. Additionally, Mercy Chefs Global is providing high-quality baby formula, which has led to a significant decrease in malnutrition, particularly in the pediatric ward, where admissions have dropped substantially.

Pastor Samuel, a partner in the program, shared, “Yes, there has been quite an improvement with patients since we started the formula. Death has reduced, and people follow up with treatment well. Tuberculosis patients, who once struggled with treatment because of the need for food alongside strong medicine, are now also moving on well. We are really grateful for this program. It has opened the doors for the sharing of the gospel.”

Beyond patient care, the program has also transformed lives in the kitchen. Former violent raiders have left their past behind to become chefs, dedicating their time to preparing meals and serving their community.

With over 17,100 hot meals provided in the hospital each month, this initiative is proving that a simple meal can spark profound change, restoring dignity, health, and hope to an entire hospital community.


Supporting Communities in Uganda

In partnership with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), Mercy Chefs Global is delivering critical relief in Kaabong and Arua through hot meals, groceries, and clean water. Each month, we provide over 77,000 meals to these communities. Learn more and support Mercy Chefs Global’s efforts in Uganda here: https://mercychefs.com/uganda-relief.

ABOUT MERCY CHEFS  

Mercy Chefs is a 501c3 founded in 2006 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The organization exists to provide professionally prepared, restaurant-quality meals to victims, volunteers, and first responders in natural disasters and national emergencies and partners with existing ministries with food service in underserved communities around the country. Since its founding, Mercy Chefs has served 29 million meals. In 2020, Mercy Chefs founder Gary LeBlanc was recognized by Southern Living Magazine as a “Hometown Hero,” and Mercy Chefs was named the 2020 Small Business of the Year in the nonprofit category by Inside Business and the Hampton Roads Chamber. Mercy Chefs has also been featured in major news outlets such as CNN, Fox News, NBC News, PBS, and ABC News. For more information, visit mercychefs.com.