There’s been a lot written about the global food crisis on this blog. And it definitely warrants more attention.
Soaring food costs are pushing a lot of families around the world into poverty. In some parts of the world, food prices have doubled. A UNICEF colleague recently reported that many families are coping with the price hikes by having only one meal a day. For young children, this is especially dangerous.
Not getting enough food or the proper nutrition can stunt a child’s growth, weaken her immune system and, in extreme cases, lead to death. Actually, malnutrition plays a significant role in half of the 9.7 million child deaths each year, which is why the food crisis is such a critical threat to children around the world.
 |
| © UNICEF/HQ06-2763/Bruno Brioni |
| Two-year-old Ilias of Cote d'Ivoire drinks UNICEF-supplied fortified milk to help him recover from malnutrition. These therapeutic food supplements have saved millions of children's lives. And with the current food crisis, UNICEF is distributing these lifesaving foods to children around the world. |
While world leaders work to find a solution, UNICEF is responding with a life-saving basket of therapeutic foods that prevent malnutrition and help affected children recover quickly.
High-protein biscuits, therapeutic milk and Plumpy’nut have been described as “magic” foods by aid workers who have witnessed their quick turnaround success.
Therapeutic milk is usually the first food introduced to children with acute, severe malnutrition because it’s easy to digest. The powdered milk, which must be mixed with clean water, has added vegetable fats and carbohydrates, and is packed with vitamins and minerals.
UNICEF also provides high-protein biscuits (or cookies, as we Americans call them), which are practical and easy to distribute. They can be eaten alone or crumbled and mixed with water for cereal consistency.
And then there's Plumpy’nut, a ready-to-eat and very yummy (believe me, I’ve tried it) peanut paste that helps kids gain weight and is chock-full of protein, minerals and vitamins. What’s really great about Plumpy’nut is that it has the shelf life of two years—and since anyone can give it to a child, there is no need for special supervision or preparation. UNICEF field officers often send parents home with Plumpy’nut packages, which cuts the time and cost of traveling to therapeutic feeding stations and hospitals.
These innovative food supplements have saved the lives of countless children. And now with the food crisis affecting so many countries, UNICEF needs to supply more of these therapeutic foods than ever before.
Interested in how you can help?
It’s easy and affordable. Instead of buying a gift for a loved one, how about purchasing a UNICEF inspired gift in their name. Or better yet, buy yourself an inspired gift and help children around the world.
Comments (1)
I saw a program on one of the cable channels about Plumpy Nut and it is a beautiful thing.
Posted by Sharli Miller | June 27, 2008 4:39 PM
Posted on June 27, 2008 16:39