Food Plant Solutions
Type of Organization: Non-governmental organization
Areas of work: Education, Natural resources
Region: Asia and the Pacific
Country: Australia
Description:
The Food Plant Solutions project was designed to address malnutrition through the use of readily available and local food sources. We create educational publications that help people understand the connection between plant selection and nutrition, and empower them to grow a range of highly nutritious plants with differing seasonal requirements and maturities. We identity food plants that are potentially important for a country or region because they are suited to the environment, they are high in nutrients and they grow with minimal inputs. This is a sustainable solution that empowers people in need, not just for now, but into the future. Food Plant Solutions does not send people in-country, but forms partnerships with existing aid providers who use the FPS publications to educate communities, and particularly women and children, on the nutrient value of their local foods. Not only does this sustainably address malnutrition and food security, it also empowers women. In many cases this will increase incomes, particularly for women, which benefits the family unit as a whole, and it safeguards and strengthens the capacity of women to provide food security, health and nutrition for their family. Most projects (whether they be housing, water, schools, maternal health, etc.), would be further enhanced by adding a Food Plant Solutions component to them. Most people who are in dire situations require a sustainable way to grow and access nutritious food. With program partners, FPS encourages the establishment of demonstration food gardens in schools and communities, as these provide ongoing education and improve the health and nutrition of participants, who are provided with nutritious food prepared from these gardens. With some of our programs achieving a reduction in malnutrition by as much as 95%, this approach is proven, cost-effective and sustainable.
The Food Plant Solutions project was designed to address malnutrition through the use of readily available and local food sources. We create educational publications that help people understand the connection between plant selection and nutrition, and empower them to grow a range of highly nutritious plants with differing seasonal requirements and maturities. We identity food plants that are potentially important for a country or region because they are suited to the environment, they are high in nutrients and they grow with minimal inputs. This is a sustainable solution that empowers people in need, not just for now, but into the future. Food Plant Solutions does not send people in-country, but forms partnerships with existing aid providers who use the FPS publications to educate communities, and particularly women and children, on the nutrient value of their local foods. Not only does this sustainably address malnutrition and food security, it also empowers women. In many cases this will increase incomes, particularly for women, which benefits the family unit as a whole, and it safeguards and strengthens the capacity of women to provide food security, health and nutrition for their family. Most projects (whether they be housing, water, schools, maternal health, etc.), would be further enhanced by adding a Food Plant Solutions component to them. Most people who are in dire situations require a sustainable way to grow and access nutritious food. With program partners, FPS encourages the establishment of demonstration food gardens in schools and communities, as these provide ongoing education and improve the health and nutrition of participants, who are provided with nutritious food prepared from these gardens. With some of our programs achieving a reduction in malnutrition by as much as 95%, this approach is proven, cost-effective and sustainable.