Iron deficiency is one of the most prevalent human health challenges. The World Health Organization estimates that two billion people, nearly one-third of the global population, are anemic primarily due to lack of iron. Tragically, more than three and one half million children under the age of five die each year due to malnutrition. Micronutrient deficiencies can cause blindness, stunted growth and permanent cognitive impairment. The consequence of this “hidden hunger” is a self-perpetuating cycle of poverty and suffering in many developing nations.
To combat this problem, Heinz and the H.J. Heinz Company Foundation have championed the development and distribution of multiple micronutrient powders through the Heinz Micronutrient Campaign, our signature Corporate Social Responsibility Program since 2001. This groundbreaking initiative is providing an important tool to address iron-deficiency anemia and vitamin and mineral malnutrition in the developing world. Heinz was the first private sector company to support the distribution of multiple micronutrient powders to reach millions of children in developing nations with an effective, low-cost program to attack this epidemic. The Heinz Micronutrient Campaign helps contribute to the Millennium Development Goals, including eradicating extreme poverty and hunger and reducing child mortality.
The Heinz Micronutrient Campaign provides micronutrient sachets, which in addition to iron, contain several other essential vitamins and minerals, tailored to the nutritional needs of a particular population. The tasteless powder is added to a child’s food by a parent or caregiver. Through this program, a child’s micronutrient needs for a year can be met for as little as $1.50. Heinz through its partners has reached three million children living in developing countries and has plans to reach millions more in the coming years.
Micronutrient assistance delivers real economic benefits and is extremely cost-effective. Leading economists at the 2008 Copenhagen Consensus determined that eliminating micronutrient deficiencies in children offers a high rate of return. They determined that providing vitamin and mineral supplements to nearly 140 million children worldwide at an estimated cost of $60 million a year would return more than $1 billion annually in humanitarian benefits.
Heinz began its Micronutrient Campaign in 2001. We are currently focusing our initiatives in Indonesia, China, India and, most recently, Bangladesh and Tanzania, all countries with vast impoverished regions and high rates of micronutrient malnutrition.
To date, the H.J. Heinz Company Foundation has provided $5 million in cash and in-kind support to the Micronutrient Campaign and has renewed its commitment with an additional pledge of $5 million over the next five years. We are currently exploring the possibility of expanding the program in Latin America and considering more products to better meet regional and cultural needs. We plan to continue expanding our reach in targeted regions and further establish Heinz as a trusted global supporter of micronutrient distribution.
Please consider making a contribution to the Heinz Micronutrient Campaign by visiting The Pittsburgh Foundation so we can extend our efforts to provide critical vitamin and mineral supplements to at-risk children.