FEEDING MORE BURUNDI FORTIFIED FOODS

We started feeding children at Kwizera Academy, our elementary school in Bubanza. First we offered a hot lunch every day and then we added a cup of fortified porridge each morning. That is when we really noticed a change in the health profile of our kids. They could pay attention longer in class, play with more energy at recess. Eye sight improved. There were fewer absences due to illness. These kids were getting stronger as they overcame the effects of malnourishment. It felt miraculous.

The national statistics for Burundi in 2019 revealed that over 52% of children under the age of 5 suffered from chronic malnourishment. Over half of Burundian children were constantly hungry, tired, weak, quick to get sick but slow to recover, likely to have stunted growth or premature death. But not at our school. We turned the corner with our kids - and we knew that if fortified porridge worked for them, it would work for others. So with the partnership of COF we opened Burundi Fortified Foods to make enough high quality porridge to distribute in many vulnerable communities across the country.

This season we were ready for expansion. So friends at COF partnered with us to increase our capacity in two key ways. First, to add a temperature-controlled storage facility that will allow us to hold ingredients for a longer time without spoilage. This means we will weather external changes like pandemics or other threats to the supply chain better, securing the needed porridge for children no matter what happens. Second, to purchase and import a massive generator so we have ample energy to operate our production line during the day and increase our capacity. This means that despite the poor power grid, we will be able to produce fortified porridge to feed children. These two gifts to BFF mean that our capacity to combat malnourishment has increased and stabilized in a precarious environment. We are grateful – and honoring those gifts with our hard work on behalf of communities in crisis.

The increased capacity of BFF, combined with our top shelf porridges and strong track record, allowed us to secure a contract with the World Food Program. We just started feeding an additional 1,000 students every day as part of their School Feeding Program. This is in addtion to the 22 communities we already serve. This is possible because of the good friends at COF who make feeding children and giving them a future a priority!