ADM Cares, ADM’s corporate social investment program, has renewed its partnership with the Food Fortification Initiative (FFI) to combat hidden hunger by adding essential vitamins and minerals to staple foods. This initiative, based at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, reaches 1 billion people across 26 countries, addressing malnutrition that affects preschool-aged children and women of reproductive age. Hidden hunger leads to increased vulnerability to diseases, compromised child development, and severe birth defects.
Food fortification, a century-old practice, is a cost-effective and sustainable solution mandated in over 125 countries. Jennifer Ballinger, director of ADM Cares, emphasized the alignment of FFI’s mission with ADM’s vision of improving global nutrition.
“Food fortification is a key aspect to improving nutritional development for millions of people around the world, and with hunger relief being at the heart of our purpose, we are once again thrilled to partner with the Food Fortification Initiative to help close the gap between food security and nutrition deficits,” said Ballinger. “The Food Fortification Initiative’s mission of improving nutrition on a global scale very much aligns with ADM’s vision of unlocking the power of nature to enrich lives. We are proud to support these efforts in helping give children and families the best possible start in life.”
ADM’s support will help empower advocates like Dr. Papatya Alkan Genca, who highlights the importance of including patient representatives in fortification efforts. “As a woman with spina bifida, I am part of a community that would have benefitted from food fortification,” Dr. Genca said. “While fortification is not a magic wand that cures all, it offers the best tool to reduce the prevalence of birth defects of the brain and spine, such as spina bifida, helping battle their economic, medical, and socio-psychological repercussions.”
ADM’s contribution is provided through ADM Cares which helps sustain and strengthen communities where ADM colleagues work, live and operate by directing funding, volunteerism, and industry knowledge to initiatives and organizations that drive meaningful social, economic and environmental progress worldwide.
