11-6-24 | Our Programs
In the battle against malnutrition, organizations around the world have made significant strides to provide nutritious food to those in need, but in countries like Guatemala – with one of the highest rates of child malnutrition in the world – there is much work still to be done.
MannaPack fortified foods, developed by Fabretto’s longtime partner organization, Feed My Starving Children (FMSC), are products that are powerful tools to combat child hunger and improve health outcomes.
In addition, nutrition is closely linked to learning. We know that a hungry child cannot focus in class, and chronic malnutrition also affects cognitive development. Strengthening child nutrition is, therefore, a fundamental part of improving educational outcomes for children.
Learn more about what makes MannaPack fortified foods unique and why Fabretto distributes MannaPack as part of our Nutrition Program.
What is MannaPack?
MannaPack fortified foods are specially formulated meals that contain a blend of dried vegetables, soy protein, vitamins, and minerals. These meals are designed to meet the nutritional needs of populations suffering from malnutrition, especially children and vulnerable individuals in developing countries.
What Makes MannaPack Different?
- Nutrient-rich formulation: MannaPack meals are fortified with essential nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals – all essential for children’s growth and development. These elements help combat micronutrient deficiencies and promote overall nutritional wellbeing.
- Easy to prepare: MannaPack meals are easy to prepare, requiring only boiling water to rehydrate the ingredients. It’s also easy to incorporate MannaPack foods in recipes. Fabretto’s team has developed delicious recipes including soups, stews, and adaptations of local dishes using MannaPack (if you want a copy of our cookbook, send us an email!)
- Long shelf life: MannaPack meals have a long shelf life, making them ideal for distribution and use in regions where infrastructure challenges and limited storage capacities may exist. This allows for efficient transportation, storage, and distribution to communities in need.
- Targeted approach: The composition of MannaPack meals is tailored to address the specific nutritional needs of different age groups, such as infants, children, and pregnant or lactating women. This is key for making a real difference in child malnutrition.
Our Reach
Together with FMSC, Fabretto has distributed more than 7 million school meals across Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala over the past decade!
This year alone, we are supporting over 10,000 students in Honduras and Guatemala with school meals through this impactful program.
Innovating for Continuous Improvement
FMSC and Fabretto have working closely together for many years to strengthen the MannaPack initiative, including:
- Collaborating to create the “MannaPack Mix” approach, which includes local production of rice to complement the fortified soy product
- Developing recipe books tailored to Central American schools
- Creating video tutorials to help school cooks prepare delicious and nutritious meals with MannaPack
- Mobilizing volunteers in the United States, Central America, and beyond to pack meals and give their time to fight child hunger
Get Involved!
As an individual, there are several ways you can support the Nutrition program and contribute to the fight against malnutrition:
- Donate: Help us bring MannaPack to more communities by donating to the nutrition program today. Every dollar donated has a direct impact on saving lives and improving nutrition.
- Raise Awareness: Share this story on social media and help us raise awareness about the need for nutrition in Central America!
By providing essential nutrition to those in need, MannaPack is helping break the cycle of poverty, improve health outcomes, and lay the foundation for a brighter future.
