The Heinz Micronutrient Campaign (HMC), a groundbreaking program of the H.J. Heinz Company Foundation that is combating malnutrition in developing nations, today announced a partnership in Tanzania, bringing the program to Africa for the first time.
The HMC has awarded a grant that establishes a research partnership with the Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania and Michigan State University.
The grant will enable researchers to study the efficacy of low-cost vitamin and mineral supplements for children ages 6-24 months in a region of the world with the highest prevalence of iron deficiency anemia. A second part of the grant will enable Sokoine to further develop a bean-based, vitamin-fortified powder targeted to children over two years of age. This powder, which contains plant and fish proteins, has demonstrated the potential to become a low-cost solution to chronic malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Both studies are to be carried out in the first quarter of 2010.
“The Heinz Micronutrient Campaign is expanding its mission to Africa for the first time because there is an urgent need to help millions of children who are suffering the effects of iron-deficiency anemia,” said Tammy Aupperle, director of the H.J. Heinz Company Foundation. “This partnership to distribute Heinz NurtureMate in Tanzania and fund the development of Sokoine University’s research into new products for the fight against malnutrition reflects Heinz’s strong commitment to enhancing the health and wellness of children around the world.”
The HMC has already helped nearly 3 million children in 15 developing nations, including India, China and Indonesia by providing micronutrient powders that are added to a child’s regular food in order to provide vitamins and minerals that their diets often lack.
“The ability to reach children with nutrient-dense, low-cost food prepared from locally grown crops and fortified with vitamins and minerals is a sustainable approach to reversing the epidemic of malnutrition in Sub-Sahara Africa,” said Dr. Maurice Bennink of Michigan State University. “We are pleased to have the Heinz Company Foundation providing the resources and technical expertise to help develop these products and make them more widely available.”
The Heinz Micronutrient Campaign (HMC) is the signature corporate social responsibility program of the H.J. Heinz Company and its Foundation. Since 2001, the HMC has reached 3 million children with vitamin and mineral powders that treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia and other micronutrient deficiencies that can adversely impact the health and physical growth and mental development of children in developing world nations. The HMC seeks to form partnerships to ensure that the programs it establishes are sustained after the Foundation’s commitment is satisfied.