In a significant step towards addressing global malnutrition and promoting sustainable food systems, the Fortified Whole Grain Alliance (FWGA) has launched an ambitious goal to reach 10 million people across seven countries by 2025 with fortified whole grain (FWG) solutions.
Supported by a coalition of stakeholders from across the food system, the FWGA is backed by The Rockefeller Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation, and Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC). This latest effort builds on the Alliance’s long-term vision of catalyzing a significant shift in consumption patterns of FWGs to tackle global malnutrition and promote more sustainable food systems for people and planet.
With active initiatives already underway in Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi, focusing on fortified whole-grain maize, expansion plans include at least three West African nations (Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin) concentrating on parboiled unpolished rice and North Africa (Egypt), where efforts would focus on whole wheat flour.
The FWGA has also set a target of at least 50% of grain foods in institutional markets and 25% in consumer markets within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to be fortified whole grain by 2032.
Shifting from refined grains to FWGs offers a multitude of benefits. They can significantly improve dietary quality without increasing production costs. Fortified whole grains offer six to seven times more nutritional value than their refined counterparts, providing higher protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients. In addition, this transition supports environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions as FWGs require less water, land, fertilizers, and pesticides.
The Hon. Jean Claude Musabyimana, Ministry of Local Government for the Government of Rwanda, emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving this goal: “Together, we are more than just a coalition; we are a beacon of hope, a testament to what we can achieve when governments, the private sector, nonprofits, and communities come together with a shared vision.”
Roy Steiner, Senior Vice President for Food at The Rockefeller Foundation, highlighted the initiative’s potential impact on global health: “The Fortified Whole Grain Alliance is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. By investing in fortified whole grains, we are investing in the health and well-being of future generations – especially people living in vulnerable communities.”
Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director of GAIN, stressed the importance of public procurement in scaling up FWG adoption: “GAIN is excited to be a part of the Fortified Whole Grain Alliance. This initiative has the potential to significantly impact global nutrition, especially if we focus on public procurement.”
The launch of the FWGA signifies a pivotal moment in the global fight against malnutrition and the promotion of sustainable food systems. As the Alliance expands its reach and impact, it offers hope for a future where fortified whole grains are a staple in every household, ensuring the health and well-being of future generations.
