NUTEJE América · 501(c)(3) Nonprofit · Since 2004

Nourishing children, transforming futures

For more than 20 years we have fed, educated and cared for children in Nicaragua, Venezuela and Panama — more than 500 children, every single day.

500+

children fed daily

3

countries

5

communities

20+

years of service

$0.53

cost of one meal

NUTEJE América emblem

Who we are

Our mission

NUTEJE America is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating child malnutrition through physical, spiritual and intellectual nourishment.

We strive to contribute to each child’s whole development, so they can join society with confidence and become productive members of their communities.

Learn about our work

Where we work

Three countries, one family

Children eating at the Granada dining hall

Nicaragua

Granada · Isla Zapatera · Los Cocos

Three dining halls and school programs feeding more than 440 children and students every day.

Augustinian Sisters preparing food shipments

Venezuela

Los Teques

Together with the Augustinian Sisters we support orphaned children with food shipments every 3 weeks.

Panama

Las Garzas

A school program supporting more than 60 children every day, hand in hand with Fundación NUTEJE Panama.

Make a difference

Your donation goes further than you think

In Granada, one warm meal costs just $0.53. Every dollar becomes food, school and hope.

$10

A year of cultural awakening

$25

Care for a baby for one month

$50

A year of elementary school

$100

A year of high school

Donate now

NUTEJE America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization — your donation is tax-deductible in the U.S.

Stories of hope

What your generosity makes possible

Students at the Los Cocos school
Building Hope

The Los Coco’s school dining hall project in Nicaragua.

Read more
Children celebrating the Zapatera water project
Bringing Life-Giving Water to Zapatera Island

Every drop of clean water is a promise of a healthier tomorrow.

Read more
Children in Los Teques, Venezuela
Bringing Hope to the Children of Venezuela

How NUTEJE America makes a difference one meal at a time.

Read more
“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.”

Mark 9:37

Our journey

20 years of history

2024
Panama Operations Expansion

Las Garzas School in Panama serving 60+ children daily. Educational program with a monthly payroll of $8,000 supporting a full staff. Seeking sustainable funding.

2019
Awareness Events

Educational event at San Cirilo de Alejandría on February 23 about the impact of social media on children. Partnership with the Kerygma youth club to raise awareness.

2018
Strengthening Nicaragua

Granada dining hall serving 85 children daily at just $0.53 per meal. Full kitchen with permanent staff. Monthly operating cost: $976.67.

2017
Humanitarian Response in Venezuela

Partnership with the Augustinian Sisters in Los Teques begins in August. Food shipments every 3 weeks. Supporting abandoned orphaned children. Monthly cost: $726.

2016
Zapatera Island Progress

First full year operating on Zapatera Island. Serving 61 children from 70 families. Permanent dining hall under construction.

2015
Zapatera Island Launch

Second dining hall opens on a remote island reachable only by boat. No running water, electricity from generators only. 98% never reach higher education.

2014
Official 501(c)(3) Status

NUTEJE America receives federal tax-exempt status. Houston headquarters established. Maria Urcuyo named President. We can now issue tax-deductible receipts.

2013
Zapatera Island Assessment

We discovered 70 families living in extreme poverty on Zapatera Island, Nicaragua. Communities surviving on agriculture: 70% corn, 25% beans, 5% rice.

2012
Expanding the Vision

Planning begins for a second location beyond Granada. Researching Nicaragua’s most vulnerable communities.

2009
Program Growth

Expansion of the Granada dining hall to serve more children. Developing educational components alongside nutrition.

2004
The Beginning — “Vaso de Leche”

NUTEJE begins in Granada, Nicaragua as the “Glass of Milk” project. A response to extreme poverty where children lack the energy to learn.

A plate of food can change a future

Join the family that has been nourishing children for more than 20 years.

Donate now Contact us