According to the World Health Organization, "iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most widespread nutritional disorder in the world, constituting a public health condition of epidemic proportions."
Message From the Founder
I founded Fortify in 2012 with a steadfast focus on finding a better food-based solution to the devastating and often deadly impact of iron deficiency anemia on women and their babies. Although we found plenty of enthusiastic support for our approach in the global health community, the greatest challenge has been finding financial support, especially since the COVID pandemic. Recently, we reached the end of financial feasibility to actively continue our work. Our unconventional mission, which is not program-driven, has prevented us from meeting the generally narrow guidelines of most of the largest grantmaking foundations.
We are proud of progress we made, especially since convincing the Olam Group to bring iron-fortified tomato paste products to West Africa. Olam’s tomato mix brands have been fortified with iron since 2015. Their tomato products enjoy a 30% market share in Nigeria where the average Nigerian consumes at least an ounce per day. That means Olam’s fortified products reach at least 66 million people just in Nigeria, half of which are women and girls.
However, we have not been able to raise enough funds for much-needed research and product development to make fortification of tomato products realistic and affordable for more food companies and in other regions of the world where IDA is prevalent. Individually, I will continue to support the pursuit of solutions to IDA and maternal mortality, and I will also gladly act as advisor or consultant on any initiatives related to improving the nutrition and overall wellness of women and children globally.
Thank you for your interest in this critical work to improve maternal nutrition. For that I will always be grateful.
Nancy
Our Mission
Our mission is to reduce the incidence of iron deficiency anemia by tapping into the power of the marketplace to get the most commonly consumed, healthy foods fortified with iron. Rates of iron deficiency anemia are highest in least developed countries, yet most of those nations' nutritional strategies do not address the problem directly. Fortify adopts successful fortification methods that have been used in industrialized countries since the 1950's, and applies them to affordable, healthy foods preferred by those living in developing regions of the world– no behavior changes needed.
The best way of addressing micronutrient deficiencies in women and children in developing countries is the through the family meal. Current diets lack meat and the diversity of foods capable of replenishing the iron stores depleted by menstruation, childbirth, and complications of disease. Women's special needs are rarely addressed. Food fortification works and is the solution to the devastating effects of IDA in women and children.
Guiding Food Companies Towards Greater Social Impact
The most sustainable solutions to solving the world's greatest problems will be the result of the private sector leadership choosing to use their greatness to provide goodness.
Saving Lives of Women and Children
Women and children living in resource-poor areas die from iron deficiency anemia, most often during childbirth. Food-based strategies are the only viable, cost-effective and sustainable solution to remedy iron deficiency anemia where people live on less than $2 per day.
Partnering with Reputable NGOs and Recognized Advocates
Families living in extreme poverty spend a disproportionate amount of their income on food. That’s why they need to get maximum nutrition from each meal. Not all brands are alike. Fortify’s on-the-ground partners are dedicated to improving maternal and child health outcomes and provide a critical connection to mothers teaching them about the benefits of choosing iron fortified foods.