Africa: War and Hunger in the Central African Republic

Conflict in the Central African Republic has made food distribution efforts difficult and may have caused further humanitarian problems.
As a rebel coalition gains more control over the Central African Republic, a hunger crisis is also escalating in the country. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) said yesterday, "The current situation is limiting WFP's ability to provide country wide support".
WFP also said that towns it distributed food to in December have now been occupied by rebel forces. Currently, food aid is suspended in areas held by the rebels.
Further troubling is that the extent of displacement and humanitarian needs is not yet fully known. A UNICEF-led assessment team is heading to conflict-affected areas.
In the capital city of Bangui, food prices have reportedly risen by 27% placing a further strain on the population. South African peacekeepers have been deployed to help prevent rebel forces from moving toward Bangui.
WFP is not only facing difficulty accessing areas, but also low funding for its country programmes including nutritional support for small children and school feeding. A humanitarian air service WFP runs is out of funding. This service allows humanitarian workers to be transported to hard to reach areas of the country where people are in need. WFP depends on voluntary donations from governments and the public.
William Lambers is the author of Ending World Hunger: School Lunches for Kids Around the World. His other books include The Roadmap to End Global Hunger, The Road to Peace and The Spirit of the Marshall Plan: Taking Action Against World Hunger.

Read the original of this report on the ThinkAfricaPress site.

Half of all food 'wasted' report claims

As much as half of the world's food, amounting to two billion tonnes worth, is wasted, a UK-based report has claimed.

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers said the waste was being caused by poor storage, strict sell-by dates, bulk offers and consumer fussiness.
The study also found that up to 30% of vegetables in the UK were not harvested because of their physical appearance.
The institution's Dr Tim Fox said the level of waste was "staggering".
'Waste of resources' The report said that between 30% and 50% of the four billion tonnes of food produced around the world each year went to waste.
It suggested that half the food bought in Europe and the US was thrown away.
Dr Fox, head of energy and environment at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said: "The amount of food wasted and lost around the world is staggering. This is food that could be used to feed the world's growing population - as well as those in hunger today.

"It is also an unnecessary waste of the land, water and energy resources that were used in the production, processing and distribution of this food.

"The reasons for this situation range from poor engineering and agricultural practices, inadequate transport and storage infrastructure through to supermarkets demanding cosmetically perfect foodstuffs and encouraging consumers to overbuy through buy-one-get-one-free offers."
And he told the BBC's Today programme: "If you're in the developing world, then the losses are in the early part of the food supply chain, so between the field and the marketplace.
"In the mature, developed economies the waste is really down to poor marketing practices and consumer behaviour."
The report - Global Food; Waste Not, Want Not - also found that huge amounts of water, totalling 550 billion cubic metres, were being used to grow crops that were never eaten.
The institution said the demand for water for food production could reach 10 to 13 trillion cubic metres a year by 2050.
The United Nations predicts there will be an extra three billion mouths to feed by 2075 as the global population swells to 9.5 billion.
Dr Fox added: "As water, land and energy resources come under increasing pressure from competing human demands, engineers have a crucial role to play in preventing food loss and waste by developing more efficient ways of growing, transporting and storing foods.
"But in order for this to happen governments, development agencies and organisation like the UN must work together to help change people's mindsets on waste and discourage wasteful practices by farmers, food producers, supermarkets and consumers."
Toine Timmermans, from Wageningen University and Research Centre in the Netherlands, described the IME publication as a "relevant report that draws attention to an important issue and topic".
But he added: "Based on years of research I find the conclusion about the amount of food waste (1.2-2 billion tonnes) unrealistic high."
Tristram Stuart, from food waste campaign group Feeding the 5000, said: "Amazingly, there has been no systematic study of food waste at the farm level either in the UK or elsewhere in Europe or the US.
"In my experience, it's normal practice for farmers to assume that 20% to 40% of their fruit and vegetable crops won't get to market, even if they are perfectly fit for human consumption."
Tom Tanner, from the Sustainable Restaurants Association, said: "It is the power of major retailers - convenience shopping and supermarkets on everyone's doorstep, you can nip out and buy a ready made meal in 2 minutes rather than make use of what's in your fridge."
He added that the weight of food equivalent to three double decker buses is thrown away per restaurant per year in the UK - 30% of that is off the consumer's plate.

How to donate food

Food banks and hunger relief agencies maintain well-defined protocols for ensuring the safe and efficient collection and distribution of donated food. Donation is safe, simple and the right thing to do. Here's how.

Step 1: Identify items suitable for donation

Many perishable and non-perishable foods prepared but not served or sold are accepted for donation. Both large and small servings are welcome.

• bulk food items
• canned and packaged items
• commercially baked goods
• dairy products and eggs
• dessert and sweets
• fresh produce
• frozen goods
• leftover menu entrees and prepared items
• meats (USDA-inspected).

Step 2: Examine the food you want to donate

Inspect items carefully when preparing them for donation.

• Has the food been handled appropriately to ensure that it is safe and wholesome?
• Is the food item packaging or seal unbroken?
• Does frozen food look as if it has been thawed or refrozen?
• Has anything leaked onto the food from another container?
• Is the food at the correct temperature?

Step 3: Contact a food rescue agency to arrange donation

A number of organizations throughout the region collect items for donation. Food banks and hunger relief agencies maintain well-defined protocols for ensuring the safe and efficient collection and distribution of donated food. Nearly all of the organizations listed in this guide accept deliveries. Many can arrange to pick up donations on an on-call basis or on a regular pre-arranged schedule. Always call ahead to confirm hours of operation and ensure that the organization can accept the materials you wish to donate. Some organizations will provide donor businesses with containers for food pick up and replace the containers with new, clean containers after each use.
Use the online form to find a food rescue agency near you or sign up for free help and let the Fork It Over! program do the work for you.
Find the food rescue agency closest to you
Sign up for free assistance

Give Food

There are many people living in Australia who do not have enough food to eat. Children go to school without breakfast, families struggle to put enough on the table to go around, and people sleeping rough can't always get what they need to stay healthy.
Donating food items or parcels is a great way of helping out the community and can make a huge difference to an individual or family.
Donations of food can also reduce the growing amount of food that ends up in landfill every year, which is not only wasteful but environmentally unsustainable. (It's estimated that Australians throw away up to 20% of the food they purchase, the equivalent of buying five bags of groceries and throwing one away - that's close to 3 million tonnes of food waste per annum.)
The following organisations would greatly appreciate your support. Also, your local homeless shelter or church or school might run a drop-in centre or breakfast/lunch program. Contact them if you'd like to donate within your area.

SELECT YOUR STATE:

• ACT
• NSW
• QLD
• SA
• TAS
• VIC
• WA

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Australian Capital Territory

The Yellow Van 

Information: The Yellow Van food rescue collects excess good food which would otherwise be discarded. This excess food is distributed directly to local charities supporting the community's most disadvantaged people. The Yellow Van does not collect food made in private kitchens. The service is non-denominational and non-sectarian.  To donate food please call us Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.

Address: PO Box 1066 Tuggeranong ACT 2901
Phone: (02) 6288 0709
Fax: (02) 6296 5509
Email: theyellowvan@commsatwork.org
Website: http://food-rescue.commsatwork.org/yellow-van-food-rescue

Tuggeranong Salvos 

Information: If you would like to donate non-perishable food items for re-distribution to the needy, please drop them into the office during business hours.

Address: Cnr Reed and Anketell Streets, Tuggeranong, ACT 2900
Phone: (02) 6293 3262
Email: theyellowvan@commsatwork.org
Website: http://salvos.org.au/tuggeranong

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New South Wales

Asylum Seekers Centre of NSW 

Information: Despite living lawfully in the community, the majority of the asylum seekers who approach our service for support hold bridging visas which render them work, Centrelink and Medicare ineligible. As a result, most are utterly reliant upon charities and community supporters to meet their basic subsistence needs. You can help by donating non perishable food items .

Address: 38 Nobbs Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 9361 5606
Email: admin@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
Website: http://www.asylumseekerscentre.org.au/get-involved-donate-non-financial-donations.html

Exodus Foundation

Information:Everyday 400 needy people receive a free meal in our Loaves and Fishes Free restaurant. All the food we serve is provided thanks to the generosity of others through donations of food or cash

Address: 180 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield , NSW 2131
Phone: (02) 8752 4628
Website: www.exodusfoundation.net

FoodBank NSW

Information: Foodbank NSW is a not-for-profit, non-denominational organisation which collects surplus, salvaged and donated food and grocery products from food manufacturers, distributors retailers and distributes it via charitable welfare agencies, to people in need.

Address: 152 Newton Rd, Wetherhill Park, NSW 2164
Email: food@foodbanknsw.org.au
Website: www.foodbank.com.au

OzHarvest – Newcastle

Information: OzHarvest is a non-denominational charity that rescues excess food, which would otherwise be discarded. This excess food is distributed to charities supporting the disadvantaged and at risk in Newcastle. Please note that we can only accept food from professionally catered events and licensed food caterers - not individual homes.

Address: PO Box 829 The Junction NSW 2291
Phone: (02) 4926 3337
Email: info@ozharvestnewcastle.org
Website: www.ozharvestnewcastle.org

OzHarvest – Sydney

Information: OzHarvest is a non-denominational charity that rescues excess food, which would otherwise be discarded. This excess food is distributed to charities supporting the disadvantaged and at risk in Sydney. Please note that we can only accept food from professionally catered events and licensed food caterers - not individual homes.

Address: PO Box 225, Alexandria, NSW 2105
Phone: (02) 9516 3877
Email: foodpickup.syd@ozharvest.org
Website: www.ozharvest.org.au

Presbyterian Social Services

Information: If you would like to donate non-perishable food items for re-distribution to the needy, please drop them into the office during business hours.

Address: Level 1, Presbyterian Church Offices, 168 Chalmers Street, SURRY HILLS, NSW  2010
Phone: (02) 9690 9376
Website: http://www.pssd.org.au/page/50/Donations#Food%20Donations

SecondBite NSW

Information: SecondBite is committed to making a positive difference to people by identifying good quality nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste and redistributing it to relief agencies providing thousands of meals for people in need.

Email: lynn@secondbite.org
Website: http://secondbite.org/State-News-NSW

Vinnies Van

Information: If you would like to donate non-perishable food items for re-distribution to the needy, please contact Mary on the details below.

Phone:(02) 9689 1500
Email: mary.bonanno@vinnies.org.au
Website: http://www.vinnies.org.au/vinnies-van-nsw#HowYouCanSupportVV

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Queensland

Brisbane Youth Service

Information: To meet the needs of homeless young people BYS urgently needs Non-perishable pantry items that do not require cooking: canned food and dry biscuits.

Phone: (07) 3252 3750
Email: richard.langford@brisyouth.org
Website: http://www.brisyouth.org/

Capricorn Region Salvos

Information: If you would like to donate non-perishable food items for re-distribution to the needy, please drop them into the office during business hours.

Address: 131-137 Park St, North Rockhampton , QLD, 4701
Phone: (07) 8923 5600
Website: http://salvos.org.au/capregion

FoodBank QLD

Information: Foodbank QLD is a not-for-profit, non-denominational organisation which collects surplus, salvaged and donated food and grocery products from food manufacturers, distributors, retailers and distributes it via charitable welfare agencies, to people in need .

Address: 179 Beverley St (off Lynton Rd), Colmslie, QLD , 4170
Phone: (07) 3252 3750
Email: foodbank@westnet.com.au
Website: www.foodbank.com.au

OzHarvest Brisbane

Information: OzHarvest is a non-denominational charity that rescues excess food, which would otherwise be discarded. This excess food is distributed to charities supporting the disadvantaged and at risk in Brisbane. Please note that we can only accept food from professionally catered events and licensed food caterers - not individual homes.

Phone: (07) 3621 2097 Email: brisbane.info@ozharvest.org
Website: www.brisbane.ozharvest.org

Secondbite QLD

Information: SecondBite established in Queensland in July 2011, and by year end had redistributed 9.5 tonnes of fresh food to local community food programs. To donate food please fill in the contact form on their website http://secondbite.org/donate-food

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South Australia

Foodbank SA 

Information: Foodbank SA is a not-for-profit, non-denominational organisation which collects surplus, salvaged and donated food and grocery products from food manufacturers, distributors & retailers and distributes it via charitable welfare agencies, to people in need.  

Address: 377A Cross Rd, Edwardstown, SA 5039
Phone: (02) 6288 0709
Fax: (02) 6296 5509
Email: warehouse@foodbanksa.com.au
Website: www.foodbanksa.com.au

OzHarvest Adelaide

Information: OzHarvest is a non-denominational charity that rescues excess food, which would otherwise be discarded. This excess food is distributed to charities supporting the disadvantaged and at risk in Adelaide. Please note that we can only accept food from professionally catered events and licensed food caterers - not individual homes.

Phone: (08) 8162 9553
Email: info@ozharvestadelaide.org
Website: www.ozharvestadelaide.org

Positive Life SA

Information: Positive Life SA is a Not-For-Profit community based organisation that relies on government funding, donations and the work of volunteers to run our many different programs and services.Donations of nonperishable food goods or fresh fruit and vegetables to our food store are greatly appreciated. For further information please contact our receptionist.

Phone: (08) 8293 3700
Email: reception@hivsa.org.au
Website: http://www.hivsa.org.au/what/how-can-you-help.html

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Tasmania

Produce to the People

Information: Produce to the People Tasmania is a community capacity, local food waste and food security project. Our ethos is “grow, gather, give”. We gather produce from backyard gardens, farms and local food suppliers and give it to those most vulnerable in our community in the North West of Tasmania. Last year we gathered over 18,000 kilos of locally grown food which helps feed on average 500 people a week via partnerships with 25 local schools, community houses, agencies such as Vinnies and the Salvos and assisted accommodation services.  

Address: PO Box 3097 South Burnie 7320
Email: producetothepeople@ymail.com
Website: http://producetothepeopletasmania.wordpress.com

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Victoria

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

Information: Food is a right. At the ASRC we are determined that none of our members goes hungry, suffers from malnutrition or is unable to feed their families. Foodbank is about survival, dignity and compassion. At the Foodbank we ensure that 'shopping' is an enjoyable, dignified and equitable process. Asylum seekers can come to the Foodbank once a week. They can select the foods that they most need and most enjoy. We run an equitable system that takes into account family size and means. This ensures that the distribution of donated or purchased food is sufficient, fair and a positive experience.

Address: 1 2 Batman St, West Melbourne, VIC 3003
Email: operations@asrc.org.au
Website: www.asrc.org.au

Cottage by the Sea

Information: Cottage by the Sea's primary objective is to empower disadvantaged children by supportng them in developing their self-esteem, health and well-being. You can help by donating food from their wishlist.

Address:29 Flinders Street.
Queenscliff, Vic. 3225
Phone: (03) 5258 1663
Email: info@cottagebythesea.com.au
Website: http://cottagebythesea.com.au/

FareShare

Information: FareShare, formerly known as One Umbrella, is an innovative, energetic organisation, rescuing food and fighting hunger. Since 2001 we have given away healthy, nutritious meals to the hungry and the homeless in Victoria, using food donated by businesses. By 'rescuing' food, we mean that it would otherwise be wasted, ending up in landfill. And in saving food from landfill, we also do our bit for the planet by helping to cut methane pollution and reducing demand for new food products

Address: 1 Thompson St, Abbotsford, VIC 3067
Email: admin@riserefugee.org
Website: http://riserefugee.org/what-we-do/food-bank

Sacred Heart Mission

Information: Our warm, welcoming Dining Hall is the heart of the Mission and where hundreds of people come every day of the year to share a meal.The Meals Program provides hearty, nutritious meals to people who are homeless, socially disadvantaged and isolated. It is also a vital opportunity for people to reconnect and develop a sense of community and belonging.The program relies on the generous food donations, which come from a wide range of businesses across Melbourne.

Address: 87 Grey St, St Kilda, VIC 3182
Email: info@sacredheartmission.org
Website: www.sacredheartmission.org

Sea Shepherd Australia

Information: Sea Shepherd Australia are currently seeking donations of Vegan food, a full list can be found on their website. The MY Steve Irwin is currently docked in Williamstown and donations can be dropped off.

Email: galleysi@seashepherd.org
Website: http://www.seashepherd.org/australia/

SecondBite

Information: SecondBite is committed to making a positive difference to people by identifying good quality nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste and redistributing it to over 70 food relief agencies providing thousands of meals for people in need.

Email: lisa@secondbite.org
Website: http://www.secondbite.org

Wesley Mission Victoria

Information: Many Wesley programs rely on goods-in-kind so that they can continue their important work. Your donation of non-perishable food can make a big difference to people in our community who are less fortunate.
 This year you are able to send food directly to the service centres through Woolworth shopping online. 

Phone: (03) 9662 2355
Email: fundraising@wesley.org.au 
Website: http://www.wesley.org.au/

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Western Australia

Anglicare WA

Information:Christmas, a time of joy for most, is sadly a time of isolation, frustration and despair for many Western Australian families. Donations of non-perishable foodare greatly appreciated leading up to Christmas each year.

Phone: (08) 9319 6401
Website: https://www.anglicarewa.org.au/be-involved/donate/food-toy-and-blanket-appeals.aspx

FoodBank WA

Information: Foodbank WA is a not-for-profit, non-denominational organisation which collects surplus, salvaged and donated food and grocery products from food manufacturers, distributors & retailers and distributes it via charitable welfare agencies, to people in need.

Address: 63 Division St, Welshpool , WA 6101 Phone: (03) 9662 2355
Email: wa.food@foodbankwa.org.au
Website: www.foodbankwa.org.au

Food Rescue

Information: If you are a licensed restaurant, caterer, hotel, café, food retailer or wholesaler, farmers market or primary producer and don't want to see your good food going to waste, we would love to hear from you!

Address: Unit 3 / 130 Francisco Street, Belmont, WA 6104
Phone: (08) 9277 8851
Email: office@foodrescue.com.au
Website: http://foodrescue.com.au/

Haiti Humanitarian Bulletin, Issue 25 - December 2012

HIGHLIGHTS

• US$144 million is required to address the humanitarian needs of over 1 million Haitians in 2013.
• The downward trend in the cholera epidemic continued in 2012, but 118,000 people could face cholera in 2013.
• Some 358,000 people remain in IDP camps where urgent humanitarian needs persist.
• Progress continues in moving to Haitian-led humanitarian coordination.

How to Give When Money Gets Tight

Little low on purchasing power this year, but still want to give back? We’ve got some ideas…
For all of us who will not be enjoying the spoils of the $500 million Powerball, we came across a Real Simple article about “How to Give When Money is Tight” and wanted to share it with you.
The article offers six strategies: Dole it out in Pieces, Tie it to An Event, Do it with Friends, Give Giving as a Gift, Save Separately, and Go for the Goods.
Here are some ideas on how to support the work of Food For The Poor using these smart tips.
Dole It Out in Pieces – Any amount helps! Through Food For The Poor, you can feed a family of four for an entire month for just $14.60.
Tie It to an Event – Through our Champion program, you can use that upcoming birthday, wedding, dinner, auction, movie night, contest, concert, etc. as an opportunity to raise funds.
Do It With Friends – Mobilize your team, co-workers, small group, church or social media friends to work toward a fundraising goal like building a house for $3,200.
Give Giving as a Gift – Check out the FFP Gift Catalog for some great gift ideas!
Save It Separately – Setting aside a portion of your income throughout the year for charitable giving is just a good idea in general
Go for the Goods – Another good reminder to be aware of socially responsible companies that give back.
So no worries about what’s in the bank account (or not in the bank account) – we can all do something!

One woman, many vats

hey leave behind their families for days on end.  They travel miles by plane, bus, and then by foot on dirt paths. They meet families in despair. They meet volunteers glad to serve. They are Food For The Poor’s interpid photographers.
As a part of an occasional series we’ll present the extraordinary work of our photographers and showcase the photos that strike a chord with you and with us here at the office.
This image has received more than 170 Facebook likes – making it the most of popular Photo of the Day posted the week of Dec. 3 – 7.
Food For The Poor has been serving the people of Haiti since 1986. This photo, taken by Hilda Perez, captures a woman tending to a vat of food. At the Food For The Poor Feeding Center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, volunteers and employees cook many vats of rice and beans for the hungry six days a week.

A woman prepares food for Haitians at a Food For The Poor center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (Hilda Perez, Food For The Poor)

Our chief goal in Haiti is to provide the means to become more self-sufficient. To help, donate at www.foodforthepoor.org/rebuildhaiti.

One woman, many vats

hey leave behind their families for days on end.  They travel miles by plane, bus, and then by foot on dirt paths. They meet families in despair. They meet volunteers glad to serve. They are Food For The Poor’s interpid photographers.
As a part of an occasional series we’ll present the extraordinary work of our photographers and showcase the photos that strike a chord with you and with us here at the office.
This image has received more than 170 Facebook likes – making it the most of popular Photo of the Day posted the week of Dec. 3 – 7.
Food For The Poor has been serving the people of Haiti since 1986. This photo, taken by Hilda Perez, captures a woman tending to a vat of food. At the Food For The Poor Feeding Center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, volunteers and employees cook many vats of rice and beans for the hungry six days a week.

A woman prepares food for Haitians at a Food For The Poor center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (Hilda Perez, Food For The Poor)

Our chief goal in Haiti is to provide the means to become more self-sufficient. To help, donate at www.foodforthepoor.org/rebuildhaiti.

It’s Giving Tuesday! Make your holiday shopping matter

You survived (or avoided) Black Friday and Cyber Monday and made it to Giving Tuesday!  A much more meaningful day, we think. Giving Tuesday was created to encourage giving to charity during the holiday season, which we heartily support!

Clean water is a life-saving gift. You can provide this for children like this boy in South Sudan, knowing your gift is changing lives.

Here at World Concern, we have a special Giving Tuesday challenge – an opportunity for you to double the impact of your gift. Any gift made to the Global Gift Guide by the end of today will be matched. We’re already more than half way to our goal! After hearing about the success of this challenge, another donor has offered up an additional $10,000 in challenge money. An amazing blessing.
Will you help us reach our goal and ensure the families we work with benefit from these matching funds? If you’ve been thinking about giving alternative gifts that truly impact the lives of the poor this year, today is the day to do it. You’ll double your impact, helping provide life-saving care and practical gifts to twice as many children and families living in extreme poverty.
Here’s a little inspiration – a few of our favorite gifts:
Clean Water – Help build a well! For families who are used to walking for miles to fetch dirty water, a well is a real blessing.
Give a Goat! – Help hungry children with a kid goat. Once full-grown, goats can produce up to a gallon of nutritious milk each day.
Soccer Balls – Soccer is more than fun and good exercise—it’s a sport that unifies and builds friendships. A soccer ball shows kids somebody cares.
Thanks for helping us reach our Giving Tuesday matching challenge goal, and for giving gifts that really matter.

Children in northern Ghana suffer malnutrition

Accra- Ghana (PANA) -- The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) on Monday released another disturbing statistics about the undeveloped north of the country indicating that about 43 percent of children there are malnourished.
Agyeman Badu Akosa said children in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions had a whopping 43 percent rate of malnaurishment as against the national average of 29.
3 percent.
The three northern regions are known for disturbing statistics in health, nutrition, education and other social facilities.
Nutrition, Badu Akosa said, is very crucial to the development of children, without which their growth and development could be severely impaired.
It is against this background that the GHS and the World Food Programme (WFP) in collaboration with other stakeholders have set up supplementary feeding centres in most of the deprived schools in the Upper East Region.
He urged parents to always ensure that their children are put on proper diet in order to avoid malnutrition.
They should also use only iodised salt in preparing food for their children since it enhances their mental and physical development.

09 january 2006 22:03:00

Hershey will fund Ghana factory aimed at reducing malnourishment among children

The Hershey Co. will build a peanut processing factory in Ghana as part of an effort to fight malnutrition among children there.
It will do so in partnership with "Project Peanut Butter," a long-running effort founded by an American pediatrician, Dr. Mark Manary.
Manary's effort involves distributing peanut-based, vitamin-enriched packets to malnourished children. The effort presently operates in Malawi, Sierra Leone and Mali.
Hershey will pay to build the factory in Ghana and provide additional expertise, the company announced this morning. The amount Hershey will spend wasn't immediately available.

The Hershey Co.'s main plant in Derry Twp. DAN GLEITER, The Patriot-News      

Ghana, in West Africa, is the world's leading producer of the cocoa used in chocolate candy manufactured by Hershey. Hershey is involved in assorted efforts to improve education and living conditions in Ghana, where many people involved in cocoa production live in poverty.
Manary, who works at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, developed the peanut-based nutritional packets a decade ago.
The packets have a far greater success rate in helping malnourished children recover than do regular hospital therapies, according to Hershey.
In addition to producing the packets and making them available to children at no cost to their families, the Ghana factory will provide a new market for local peanut farmers, giving another boost to the local economy, Hershey said.
Also, the effort will involve working with peanut farmers to improve their farming techniques and production levels.