About Us
We are more than an organization; we are a family united by the conviction that no child should go to bed hungry. We were born in 2004 from a simple yet powerful dream: to bring a glass of milk to children who needed it in Granada, Nicaragua. That small gesture of love transformed into a movement that today embraces thousands of children across Latin America.
What Drives Us
We don't measure our success in numbers, although we've served over a million meals. We measure it in smiles, in children who can focus on their classes, in mothers who sleep peacefully knowing their children are fed, in communities that flourish when their children thrive.
Every morning we wake up knowing our work matters. Every dining hall we build, every food shipment we coordinate, every alliance we forge, is an act of faith in the future. Because when we feed a child, we don't just nourish their body—we feed their dreams, strengthen their spirit, and plant seeds of hope throughout an entire community.
OBJECTIVES
A good education is the truest method to eliminate poverty. Children who are malnourished suffer from learning deficiencies and struggle with social engagement. When a child is properly fed, they have enough energy and, as a result, the motivation to participate in educational and extracurricular activities.
Our Commitment to You
Full Transparency: Every decision we make, every dollar we invest, is guided by one simple question: how does this directly benefit the children? We operate with absolute transparency because we know that trust is the foundation of everything we do.
Real Impact: We don't believe in temporary solutions. We build dining halls that will last for generations, we create sustainable programs, and we work to break the cycle of poverty through nutrition and education.
Human Connection: For us, this is personal. We know the names of the children we serve, we listen to their families' stories, we celebrate their triumphs and stand by them through their challenges. We're not a distant organization; we're part of the communities we serve.
VISION
NUTEJE America seeks to continue our charitable expansion throughout Latin America and the United States, helping with the nutritional and spiritual formation of children. We hope to continue opening more Dining Halls, Schools, and After-School Programs that will target the communities in greatest crisis.
Who We Are
We are mothers, fathers, grandparents, young professionals, students, and retirees. We are ordinary people with an extraordinary purpose. We come from different walks of life, but we're united by one fundamental truth: we believe every child deserves the opportunity to dream, learn, and grow without hunger being an obstacle.
Our team is made up of passionate hearts who see in each child not a statistic, but a universe of possibilities. We work hand in hand with local communities, religious sisters, volunteers, and donors who share our vision of a world where child nutrition is a right, not a privilege.
NUTEJE Team
Maria Urcuyo, Founder
Maria is the heart and soul behind our non-profit organization. She is passionate about creating a sustainable future and is involved in all aspects of the organization, from program development to community outreach and partnership strategies.
Rodolfo Kong, Director
Rodolfo thrives on challenges and brings years of experience in humanitarian logistics and project management to our team. His expertise has been instrumental in getting us to where we are today, and he is one of the most dedicated minds in our mission.
Nelly Aveledo, Board Member
Nelly is a passionate leader who mentors our volunteers and oversees our growing network of community partners across Latin America.
Jose Miguel Kong, Treasurer
Jose Miguel ensures every dollar is accounted for and maximized for impact, bringing financial expertise and unwavering integrity to our mission.
Join Our Family
When you join NUTEJE America, you don't just become a donor or volunteer—you become part of a global family dedicated to changing lives. Together, we're writing a new story for Latin America, one where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Your support—whether large or small—has the power to transform lives. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about filling empty stomachs. It's about filling hearts with hope, minds with knowledge, and entire communities with possibilities.
We are NUTEJE America, and we believe that love, served on a plate of nutritious food, can change the world—one child at a time.