The top six ways MFB is impacting malnutrition in East Africa
There are 19 different countries in East Africa and the statistics tell a story of the continued struggle with malnutrition and food insecurity. Over 22 million people living in East Africa are affected by food insecurity. The World Food Programme reports that in Kenya alone, 35.6% of people live on less than $1.90 per day. Records also show that 29% of children in rural areas suffer from a condition known as stunting (the impaired growth and development of children due to poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation).
Those big numbers do not stop Kapu Africa (Midwest Food Bank East Africa) from tackling this issue and improving lives. Here are six reasons why Tender Mercies, a high-quality, high-nutrition meal produced by Kapu Africa is making a difference in the lives of children and families in East Africa.
1. Improving health outcomes for children Micronutrients in Tender Mercies support all of the following: cognitive and motor development in children, healthy eyesight, immune systems, healthy fetal development for pregnant mothers, and resisting infectious diseases.
2. Simple to prepare Tender Mercies is easy to make and only requires boiling water to be prepared. It can be cooked in a variety of settings: schools, refugee camps, disaster relief, and homes
3. Encourages learning and brain development When served at schools it improves a child's capacity for learning and attentiveness. Education then supports job opportunities later in life.
4. Supports local agriculture Raw materials for Tender Mercies are purchased from East African growers, supporting local economies.
5. Supports the farming economy Tender Mercies supports the development of new crop markets in East Africa. Raw materials like soy are produced in the region. The ingredients for Tender Mercies are purchased from East African growers, supporting the local economy.
6. Creates jobs Tender Mercies is manufactured in Kenya by Soy Afric, providing jobs. And the product is made where it will be distributed.
Each serving of Tender Mercies contains 34% of the required daily protein and addresses deficiency of iron, iodine, and vitamin A common to Kenyans. Tender Mercies consists of rice, lentils, fractured cowpeas, soy, salt, and added micronutrients. At just 19 cents per serving, it can make an impact on those 22 million people who aren't just a statistic.
Do you want to help Kapu Africa impact the lives of children in East Africa? A donation of any size will help.
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