The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is giving US$5 million to Edesia Nutrition, a nonprofit organization that makes lifesaving ready-to-use foods (RUFs), such as Plumpy’Nut, that prevent and treat acute malnutrition in children and mothers.
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The realities on the ground in many countries paint a grim picture. Three million children die every year from malnutrition. That is one death every 11 seconds.
“The fact is that 100% of those deaths are preventable,” says Navyn Salem, founder and CEO of Edesia Nutrition. “With the incredible generosity of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we can channel vital resources directly to our PlumpyField partners on the ground. This donation will empower local producers to deliver lifesaving nutrition where it’s needed most, giving children and mothers the chance to not only survive but thrive.”
Edesia is a member of PlumpyField, a network of independent producers of RUFs across the globe. The money from this grant will be used to support these partners, who manufacture locally, in countries and regions where Plumpy’Nut, a lifesaving fortified peanut butter made from milk powder, peanuts, soy, oil, sugar, and vitamins and minerals, and other products are needed most. These locales include Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria and Sudan. Edesia works closely with these partners, believing that local supply is an important component of a healthy ecosystem. It complements the supply that comes from countries such as the United States. It contributes to economic development and long-term sustainability in these countries.
The Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ is leading a global initiative to improve the health and well-being of women and children. To aid that initiative, the Church of Jesus Christ recently announced a $55.8 million donation to various organizations — blessing children in dozens of countries with nutrition, maternal care, immunizations and education.
“Through our collaboration, Edesia can help millions of children through their lifesaving foods get the critical nutrition they need to grow and thrive,” said Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson. “Nutrition is one of four pillars of the Church’s global initiative for the well-being of women and children. When you bless women and children, you invest in the future.”
About Edesia
Edesia is a nonprofit social enterprise with the mission of ending malnutrition worldwide. Their team of 150 people from 25 countries works night and day to produce lifesaving foods that treat and prevent childhood malnutrition in partnership with humanitarian agencies working in emergency and conflict zones. To learn more, visit edesianutrition.org.
About The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Church’s 2023 summary on caring for God’s children shows that the faith’s efforts to care for those in need included more than $1.3 billion in expenditures, 6.2 million hours volunteered and 4,119 humanitarian projects in 191 countries and territories.
The humanitarian efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints relieve suffering, foster self-reliance and provide opportunities for service. The Church follows the admonition of Jesus Christ to feed the hungry and care for those in need.
This humanitarian outreach is made possible by the generous donations and volunteerism of Latter-day Saints and friends of the faith. The Church gives assistance without regard to race, religious affiliation or nationality. Aid is based on the core principles of personal responsibility, community support, self-reliance and sustainability.
About the Relief Society General Presidency
The Relief Society General Presidency is called to lead the Relief Society, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ organization for women, which has millions of members worldwide. The presidency is composed of a president, who is called by the President of the Church, and two counselors. These three women travel around the world to visit, teach and minister to the women of the Church. They also counsel with other general Church leaders regarding global humanitarian efforts and strengthen women and families of all backgrounds.