Feeding the Future: Why we must nourish Nigeria’s next generation

In a world of abundance, it is a painful reality that millions of children and mothers in Nigeria still go to bed hungry. Malnutrition, poverty, and lack of access to food remain persistent challenges, particularly for indigent mothers struggling to provide for their infant children. Without proper nourishment in the early years of life, children suffer from developmental challenges that can last a lifetime, limiting their ability to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

Recognizing this urgent need, the Alice Jegede Feed My Children Foundation was born out of a deep passion to make a difference. Founded with a vision to fight hunger among Nigeria’s most vulnerable, the foundation is on a mission to ensure that no indigent child or mother is left behind in the battle against malnutrition and food insecurity.

A Commitment to Feeding and Supporting Those in Need
The foundation had its inaugural outreach in December 2024, launching its first humanitarian effort in Benin City, Edo State. During this impactful event, the foundation provided food and financial support to indigent mothers and orphanages, offering relief and hope to many who had little to celebrate. This was to put action in the words and ideologies of Dr Philip Jegede when paraphrased reads “Our dearest one is not the one who mercifully gives us tissues to wipe away our tears, but one who attempts to stop our hardship from reaching to the point of tears”

This was just the beginning. Witnessing the gratitude in the eyes of struggling mothers and the joy of children receiving nourishment ignited an even greater passion to expand this mission. The foundation has now set a bold goal: to raise $1 million in 2025 to scale its efforts and reach more communities across Nigeria.

Why Feeding the Next Generation Matters
A well-fed child is a thriving child. A mother who does not have to worry about her next meal can focus on nurturing, educating, and uplifting her children. When hunger is removed from the equation, families can begin to build better futures. Here are just a few reasons why feeding the next generation is a mission we must all embrace:

1. Preventing Malnutrition and Stunted Growth
The first five years of a child’s life are the most crucial for physical and cognitive development. Chronic hunger leads to stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and irreversible brain damage. By providing food security to children in their formative years, we give them the opportunity to grow into strong and healthy adults.

2. Keeping Children in School
Hunger forces many children out of school, as they are either too weak to attend or must work to support their families. A well-fed child is more likely to concentrate, learn, and stay in school, ultimately breaking the cycle of poverty.

3. Empowering Mothers to Build Stronger Families
Many mothers in Nigeria face the heartbreaking decision of choosing between feeding one child over another due to limited resources. By supporting these women with food and financial assistance, we empower them to create stable, nurturing environments for their families.

4. Strengthening the Nation’s Future
Children are the leaders, innovators, and workforce of tomorrow. If we fail to nourish them today, we are setting up an entire generation for failure. Investing in food security is not just a charitable act—it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.

The Future is Now
The late Mama Alice Jegede believed that “Everybody is somebody because we all have the same father —God Almighty”. This belief was evident in his restaurant in Benin City, Edo State from where she fed indigent mothers and their infants for free, and fed many financially challenged people on credit. The Alice Jegede Feed My Children Foundation is committed to scaling its impact and reaching more families across Nigeria. The time to heal our world one place at a time is now. Spread the word! Because no child should ever go hungry.