GlobeMed at Penn State

Who We Are// GlobeMed at Penn State

Founded in 2005, GlobeMed at Penn State University works with ACUDESBAL in El Salvador. Together, we work to improve the health of three communities in the Bajo Lempa area with a focus on self-sustaining agriculture and child development through improved nutrition.

Our Partner// ACUDESBAL in Bajo Lempa, El Salvador

GlobeMed at Penn State is partnered with ACUDESBAL, a grassroots organization working with 29 communities in Bajo Lempa, El Salvador. ACUDESBAL was formed in 1998 on the idea that the strength of a community working together is the way to achieve social, economic, political, and environmental justice; all of which are an important part of Bajo Lempa’s history of civil war and devastating natural disasters.

ACUDESBAL focuses on five strategic areas: institutional strengthening, food sovereignty, infrastructure and legalization of land, health and environment, recreation and sports culture. They work with communities to help plan and implement realistic and sustainable solutions. With the majority of the nearly 9,000 people in Bajo Lempa living in poverty, ACUDESBAL plays a vital role in the health and wellbeing of the Bajo Lempa population.

Our Project // $4,000 for a Community Garden to Improve the Diet of Children in Bajo Lempa and insure food sovereignty.

This year, GlobeMed at Penn State aims to raise $4,000 in the 2011-2012 school year for a community nutrition project. Agricultural practices in Bajo Lempa are currently focused on exports like sugar cane, so nutritious and locally grown food for the community is a significant problem. Childcare centers currently cannot afford an adequate amount of nutritious food and many of the children are malnourished.

The project will involve the implementation of community gardens to grow various fruits and vegetables that will be the food source for three childcare centers. The gardens will provide work for local farmers and nutritious meals for the children along with an education component on nutrition. Together, Penn State and ACUDESBAL are working to create a healthy and sustainable community.