MFK at World Food Prize Event: Nutrition & Health Systems
Chris Greene, CEO of Meds & Food for Kids was a panelist at the 2024 international World Food Prize conference in Iowa, where he shared MFK’s expertise in addressing food insecurity in Haiti.
The panel, “Bridging Nutrition into the Health Systems” was hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (South America). In addition to Chris, speakers included:
- Matimba Mooya, The Hunger Project Zambia
- Jenn Ogle, CARE Nigeria
- Mike Foley, Save the Children
- Caroline Ogonowski, Edesia
Chris’s presentation outlined Meds & Food for Kids’ holistic, localized model that has treated more than one million malnourished children and mothers.
Left to right: Chris Greene (Meds & Food for Kids), Caroline Ogonowski (Edesia), Matimba Mooya (Hunger Project), Marisol Vidal (Latter Day Saints), Mike Foley (Save the Children), Jennifer Orgle (CARE)
Panelists also covered topics such as maternal health and hygiene, malnutrition prevention, and RUTF manufacturing
“Complex problems require comprehensive solutions. Agriculture, economic development, nutrition, and education all tie together to create a sustainable solution. To address these things, we need both short-term interventions and a long-term vision,” said Greene. “Currently, half of Haiti’s population is in a state of food poverty, including more than 300,000 children 5 and younger. In the midst of ongoing challenges driven by gang violence, MFK has expanded services to respond to the need.”
Short Term Interventions: Saving Lives
Meds & Food for Kids has added Last Mile distribution of RUTF, medicines, prenatal vitamins, and medical supplies for children and families in remote, isolated communities that are difficult to reach. “MFK’s team of nearly 100 Haitian staff are uniquely positioned to create solutions and distribute treatments to these communities,” Chris stated.
Long-Term Vision: Transforming Futures
While addressing the immediate need by producing and distributing Therapeutic Foods for malnourished Haitian children, Meds & Food for Kids is investing in the future by providing nutrition education for mothers.
“Providing hope AND education is important. I remember a mom asked “Why is my baby crying? I gave her crackers, but she’s not full.” We work with mothers and families so they can understand nutrition and the value of a balanced diet,” shared Greene.
Greene also discussed the value of local employment for sustainable change:
“We are playing the long game and investing in our Haiti team to build ownership and local buy-in. Our Haitian team is invested, they’re a part of this mission, and they own it themselves.” MFK’s jobs in Haiti help to interrupt the cycle of poverty and hunger while strengthening communities by boosting the local economy.
Celebrating Milestones and Looking to the Future
Recently, Meds & Food for Kids reached the milestone of treating 1 million malnourished children and mothers with MFK’s Ready-to-Use Foods. The work is not done. As MFK looks to the future, it strives to save more lives and create brighter futures.
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