A Snack That Says: Enough Nutrient Gaps

Across Lebanon, an increasing number of children are attending school hungry. Years of conflict, economic instability, and poverty have made it difficult for families to access nutritious food. For many, protein-rich food like meat, eggs, and dairy are now unaffordable luxuries. This lack of essential nutrition affects children’s growth, health, and ability to focus in classrooms.

In a crowded classroom, curiosity sparks over a cookie shaped like a tiny spaceship. It’s called the Healthy Surprise cookie. At first, the flavour is unfamiliar. But soon, students laugh, guess ingredients, and pass it around. Some are hesitant, others eager, and curiosity turns into discovery.

Layal, a maths teacher, shared, “It caught our attention because it was the first time we saw something healthy given to students that they actually enjoyed, especially in Lebanon. It gives new people a chance to work and brings new ideas to the market. Lebanon needs this kind of production to grow. Also, it’s healthy and helps protect our health, lifestyle, and well-being.”

Developed by Will Association in Partnership with World Vision Lebanon, under the global hunger response, the cookie is made from simple, local ingredients: chickpeas, sesame paste (tahini), eggs, flour, oil, and chocolate drops in moderation. Naturally sweet and rich in nutrients, it was created to help combat child malnutrition and protein deficiency in schools.

Each 50g cookie contains about 180 calories, 20% protein, 8 to 9g of fat, 8 to 10g of sugar, and 2g of fibre. It also includes essential vitamins like B1, B2, B6, E, and D.

Mohamad, one of the students enjoying the cookie, happily shared, “It tastes great too, with sugar and chocolate. Some children can’t afford meat or chicken, so this helps give them a bit of what they need.”

Maryam, another student, added with a smile, “At first, I didn’t like the cookie. It just tasted like flour. Now I’ve got used to it and it actually tastes really good. I eat one every day. It’s very healthy, has no chemicals, and even people with diabetes can enjoy it.”

For Rana, a breast cancer survivor and English teacher, the cookie supports a lifestyle rooted in recovery. “As survivors, we are careful about what we eat. But this is not just about us. Everyone, whether they face health challenges or not, deserves access to healthy food. This cookie is truly a healthy surprise. In our home, we use chickpeas often, even in pizza dough. These small, healthy choices matter.”

A recent assessment confirmed that many children face protein and dietary deficiencies, echoing UNICEF’s findings that three in four children in Lebanon under five-years-old live in food poverty, with limited access to protein-rich foods. In response, the community took action. (UNICEF, 2023)

“We launched Healthy Surprise after seeing the need,” explained Issam, the director of Will Association. “We are distributing it to schools to protect children’s health through this snack. We hope everyone can support this.”

The initiative also creates job opportunities for local women, including mothers, caregivers, and workers who are trained to produce the cookies. One participant said, “I learned what healthy snacks really are. Now I give my children better food. Enough is enough with the unhealthy stuff.” She added, “We hope for more programmes like this so we can benefit and support our families.”

ENOUGH of hunger. ENOUGH of poor nutrition. This cookie is more than a snack; it is a small promise, a quiet message of hope, and a step towards a healthier, stronger tomorrow. Every bite reminds us that even small changes can make a meaningful difference in children’s lives.