Have you ever heard of the FutureFortified campaign? Future Fortified is a campaign of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). They help millions of women and children in developing countries get access to the essential nutrients they need to lead healthy, enriched lives. Their goal is to increase access to improved nutrition for 50 million women and children by 2015.
Overview of FutureFortified Campaign:
Good nutrition is something every person in the world needs every single day. We know the best way to get the essential nutrients needed for good health and development is through well-balanced, diverse diet. Yet 2 billion people around the world do not have access to a diverse diet and rely on staple foods and, as a result, are under-nourished.
Given the scope of undernutrition we need to find sustainable, long-term means to improve nutrition, particularly ensuring women and children have access to essential nutrients – vitamins, minerals and essential fats – that are vital for good health and development. In order to do this, Future Fortified and its partners work with businesses, governments and communities to ensure highly nutritious foods and products are not only available through the health system, but also are affordable to low-income families who can purchase these products on an ongoing basis. This is the market-based approach.
By working with companies to improve the quality and affordability of nutritious products, working with communities and organizations to educate families on the importance of good nutrition, specifically for women and children in the 1,000 day “window of opportunity”, and working with governments, we are striving to make better nutrition available at all times and to the majority of people.
I was intrigued when I was recently asked to write about the FutureFortified Campaign. Through Home Nutritional Packets that cost only a few pennies, they provide essential nutrients — including vitamins, minerals, essential fats, and amino acids — also known as micronutrients and macronutrients — are necessary for life.
Home nutrition packets look different according to local nutrient needs and local consumer demand. There are currently over 12 companies that produce home nutrition packets, each with a unique brand for their local market. As this approach is scaled up around the world and innovation in the product continues, we expect to see more local companies producing new brands with new and improved formulations, helping to drive down cost and ensure increased supply.
I feel that these packets will help children get the nutrients they need even when their families are only able to provide one type of local food for their families. Children everywhere are the future and if there is a way to help them develop to their true potential, then I support that.
If you would like to learn more about the FutureFortified Campaign you can visit their website at futurefortified.org.
You can also find them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf Future Fortified. To thank me for my contribution, Mom Central donated $20 to the FutureFortified campaign.”
