our holistic Approach to reduce anemia.
Greenhouses and The Lucky Iron Fish.
In response to the high prevalence of anemia in Huacahuasi, SPP has collaborated with local residents and leaders and identified the construction of greenhouses (or fitotoldos) as an effective, financially feasible, and hopefully sustainable method of growing more diverse produce (and thus diets) in the Huacahuasi community. The fitotoldos can provide a localized tropical climate, allowing for the cultivation of fruits and vegetables which otherwise would not be possible considering the Andean elevation, cold, and wind (Quispe Ccoricasa, 2019). The greenhouse project aims to provide a sustainable and reliable source of iron-rich foods, therefore hopefully reducing the levels of anemia in the community.
This project is run in collaboration with Andean Community Partners, where John Rafael, a local greenhouse expert, visits the community monthly to provide technical assistance on greenhouse operation, management, and cultivation. As of February 14th, 2025, three cooperatively run greenhouses have been constructed in Huacahuasi. In July, Huacahuasi collected its first harvest from the greenhouses, including 50 lettuce heads, 50 cauliflower heads, 50 onions, 50 beets, and 50 swiss chard plants.
Greenhouses are the communities’ longterm solution towards a more healthy and wholistic diet.
What’s Next?
After a successful first harvest, many more women in Huacahuasi are eager to build greenhouses in their own backyards.
We are currently looking for sponorship for our Greenhouse project for 2026. After seeing so much success, the community has asked for 10 more greenhouses!
Each greenhouse costs only $500 to build and fully start from the ground up; a small investment that creates lasting change. With this support, families gain access to fresh vegetables and improved nutrition, helping to reduce the risk of anemia and other diet-related health issues.
Beyond feeding their families, these greenhouses also create new opportunities for income, as families can sell surplus crops to neighbors and at markets in nearby communities. SPP provides all necessary materials and the first year of seeds, while envisioning a sustainable model in which local farmers and growers in Huacahuasi manage the greenhouses themselves, with ongoing guidance and partnership from Andean Community Partners.
Access to iron-rich foods and those that aid iron absorption in Huacahuasi is limited, representing a real limitation to consumption of a more iron-rich diet.
The Lucky Iron Fish: Supporting Short-Term Anemia reduction in the community.
During one of our visits, community members in Huacahuasi shared their concerns about rising anemia rates. In response, we offered voluntary finger-prick iron tests and guidance on accessing iron-rich foods grown in local greenhouses. Each household also received a Lucky Iron Fish, an easy cooking tool that naturally adds iron to meals, along with a pamphlet explaining anemia symptoms, causes, and locally available iron-rich foods. By combining greenhouse-grown produce with the Lucky Iron Fish, we help families better understand their nutritional options and give them a practical, immediate way to increase their iron intake, even when diet choices are limited.
Nearly one-third of children or household members in Hucahuasi Currently suffer from anemia.
What’s Next?
We will continue monitoring anemia in the region by providing a Lucky Iron Fish to a new family on each visit. Each fish costs about $75 USD, and with your support, we can create long-lasting, meaningful change for communities that need it most.