Malnutrition is a social issue we cover frequently, but today we're highlighting a social enterprise called Valid Nutrition that not only supplies nutritional pastes to regions in need, but also manufactures them in the countries they are distributed in. On top of helping people rebuild their health, these products stimulate the local economy through job creation and support of local agriculture.
"Ready-to-Use Foods (RUFs) are highly fortified, oil-based nutrient dense pastes specifically designed for the treatment of malnutrition," the Valid Nutrition site says. "They are made from varying combinations of grains, pulses and seeds, milk powder, sugar, oil, vitamins and minerals. They are precooked and ready to eat straight from the pack."
Valid Nutrition was co-founded by Steve Collins and Alistair Hallam, and their partners include 1,000 Days, Valid International, Advocates for International Development/Lawyers Eradicating Poverty, Irish Aid, Gorta, The Charity Bank, UNICEF, MSF, USAID, University College Cork, Institute of Child Health, University College London and ETH Zurich.
Contact Information
Valid Nutrition website
Valid Nutrition on Twitter
Valid Nutrition on Facebook
Social Nutrient Packs
'Valid Nutrition' Pastes are Made Locally Where They Are Needed
Trend Themes
1. Local Manufacturing - The trend of manufacturing products locally in the countries they are distributed in creates job opportunities and stimulates the local economy.
2. Ready-to-use Foods - The trend of ready-to-use nutrient dense pastes offers a convenient solution for addressing malnutrition.
3. Social Enterprise - The trend of social enterprises like Valid Nutrition focuses on tackling social issues while also creating sustainable business models.
Industry Implications
1. Nutritional Supplements - The nutritional supplement industry has the opportunity to innovate by developing affordable and locally made nutrient-rich pastes for malnutrition treatment.
2. Food Manufacturing - The food manufacturing industry can explore the production of ready-to-eat, fortified pastes as a solution for addressing malnutrition on a larger scale.
3. Social Impact Organizations - Social impact organizations can explore partnerships and investment opportunities in social enterprises that focus on nutrition and community development.