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Dorothy Zimmerman is on a mission. Actually, she's been on six of them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTtDenLdOrQ

Most Zambians eat one meal a day and sometimes a small snack, she said, which often includes porridge or nshima, ground cornmeal.

Zambia has been in a bad drought for three to four years, Zimmerman said. It has been affecting their maize crop and other food sources.

"There are so many things beyond our control that they battle," she said. "We just want to make sure the moms understand the awareness and the need for proper nutrition for their kids, and then we can look for additional ways to overcome the barriers."

During the trip, Zimmerman and Erickson helped people familiarize themselves with different foods and food groups. Mothers and other village members put together menus.

"Our goal is to create this awareness for the need of good nutrition and see how it develops from there," Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman's group returned to Beatrice June 11. She said some volunteers from the Canadian team have stayed to continue their work.

"We hope to see a percent increase of growth in children," Zimmerman said. "Then we can expand the program to other areas and more villages."

http://journalstar.com/news/local/on-a-nutrition-mission/article_9b89c8e8-3338-5e5a-95f6-080867ef1ca3.html