Lucy Liu Takes on Role as Spokesperson for the Heinz Micronutrient Campaign to Help Malnourished Infants and Children

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lucy Liu is tackling a new role as the spokesperson for the Heinz Micronutrient Campaign, a groundbreaking non-profit program that is combating life-threatening vitamin and mineral malnutrition and iron-deficiency anemia among infants and children in developing countries.

“As an advocate for children’s health, I am proudly teaming up with the Heinz Micronutrient Campaign to battle the hidden hunger of micronutrient malnutrition and iron-deficiency anemia, global health threats that are impairing the physical and mental development of millions of infants and children,” said Ms. Liu, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador who is known internationally for her starring roles in films such as Charlie’s Angels, Kill Bill: Volume 1 and Shanghai Noon and her Emmy-nominated role as Ling Woo in the hit television series Ally McBeal. Currently, Ms. Liu is making her Broadway debut in the Tony-Award winning play, God of Carnage.

“Micronutrients give malnourished children a fighting chance to grow up healthy and strong,” Ms. Liu said. “The Heinz Micronutrient Campaign is making a dramatic difference by supporting the distribution of sachets of micronutrient powders that are sprinkled on foods such as rice to ensure that each child receives essential vitamins, iron and minerals in their diet.”

In announcing Ms. Liu’s new role today, Heinz Chairman, President and CEO William R. Johnson said: “Heinz is very pleased to partner with Lucy Liu, a noted actor and humanitarian, on the Heinz Micronutrient Campaign, which has already helped 3 million children in 15 developing nations and is expanding its mission this year to Africa and Mexico for the first time. With her compassion for children, she is an ideal spokesperson for the Heinz Micronutrient Campaign, which hopes to help more than 1 million additional children in 2010.”

The Heinz Micronutrient Campaign is the signature Corporate Social Responsibility program of the H.J. Heinz Company Foundation, which has provided millions of dollars in funding to expand the program’s global reach since its inception in 2001.

Heinz sponsored the development of micronutrient powders and sachets that have been approved by UNICEF and the World Health Organization.

“Micronutrients are an extremely cost-effective way to help children. The sachets can meet a child’s vitamin and mineral needs for a full year for only $1.50, or the price of a cup of coffee,” Ms. Liu noted.

The Heinz Micronutrient Campaign has enhanced the health and wellness of children in countries such as China, Indonesia and India and is focused on creating sustainable, cost-effective public/private partnerships to combat this alarming public health threat. It also helps educate health workers, parents and caregivers about good dietary and hygienic habits for children and the role of micronutrient powders in filling nutritional gaps.

As a UNICEF ambassador, Ms. Liu drew attention to the threat of hunger and child survival. She has visited earthquake-ravaged Pakistan, refugee camps in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and orphanages in Russia to spotlight the preventable suffering of innocent children.

The World Health Organization estimates that 2 billion people, roughly one-third of the global population, are anemic, primarily due to iron deficiency. The majority are children in developing nations. Reaching children in the critical 6-24 month age range with micronutrient supplements can make a profound difference in their mental and physical development.

Visit www.Heinz.com/heinzmicronutrientcampaign to learn more about the Heinz Micronutrient Campaign.

ABOUT HEINZ: H.J. Heinz Company, offering “Good Food Every Day”™ is one of the world’s leading marketers and producers of healthy, convenient and affordable foods specializing in ketchup, sauces, meals, soups, snacks and infant nutrition. Heinz provides superior quality, taste and nutrition for all eating occasions whether in the home, restaurants, the office or “on-the-go.” Heinz is a global family of leading branded products, including Heinz® Ketchup, sauces, soups, beans, pasta and infant foods (representing over one third of Heinz’s total sales), Ore-Ida® potato products, Weight Watchers® Smart Ones® entrees, T.G.I. Friday’s® snacks, and Plasmon infant nutrition. Heinz is famous for its iconic brands on six continents, showcased by Heinz® Ketchup, The World’s Favorite Ketchup®. Information on Heinz is available at www.heinz.com.

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