At seven months old, Esther weighed just 3.2 kg.

She was unable to sit on her own and showed clear signs of severe malnutrition. Her mother, Mrs. Abigail, had become concerned about her daughter’s weakness and frequent loss of appetite and was referred to the Lagos Food Bank Initiative from a Primary Healthcare Centre in Agege.

That was where Esther’s journey with the Lagos Food Bank began.

Through the Nutrition and Maternal Enhancement Programme (NUMEPLAN), Esther and her mother received nutritional support, food items and guidance on infant nutrition, breastfeeding, complementary feeding and hygiene. They returned to the Food Bank every two weeks, allowing the nutrition team to monitor Esther’s progress and support her mother along the way.

Gradually, things began to change.

After four bi-weekly visits, Esther showed signs of improved nourishment. Following two additional visits, she was discharged from the programme at 10 months, weighing 4.8 kg with a head circumference of 45 cm.

But Esther’s story with LFBI did not end there.

Today, she is a healthy, growing child and a beneficiary of LFBI’s Education Enhancement Intervention Programme (EDUFOOD). She now receives nourishing midday meals at school alongside her classmates, supporting her ability to concentrate, learn and participate fully in the classroom.

The little girl who once struggled with weakness and could not sit on her own is now growing, learning and finding her place among her classmates.

Esther’s story shows what can happen when a child receives the right support at the right time. From nutrition to education, each intervention has become part of a journey towards a healthier and brighter future.

You can help reach more children like Esther. Support the nutrition and education programmes today and help give more children the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive.