Every minute 5 children under the age of 5 die from malnutrition . . . Every Child Matters . . . Local Plants Suit Local Conditions

About Us

Statistics show that approximately 5 children a minute, under the age of 5, die from malnutrition. Food Plant Solutions is taking an ‘EVERY CHILD MATTERS’ approach to this fact. One of the solutions to malnutrition is as simple as growing the right food plants in the right places.

The first 1000 days from conception are critical in a child’s development. If children do not receive adequate quantities of key micro-nutrients during this period, they can be permanently damaged for life. This can include blindness, intellectual disabilities and impaired growth.

Malnutrition robs children of their futures

This can be prevented

Food Plant Solutions was designed to address malnutrition and achieve food security through the use of readily available local food sources. Educational resources are created 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.

Plant selection takes into account the agroecological and climatic nature of the region in interest.  Resources tailored to the target audience, with a focus on six key nutritional components: Energy, Protein, Vit. A, Vit. C, Iron, and Zinc.  The resources contain information on how to grow the food plants, the key nutrient content within those plants and the importance of those nutrients to human health.

Food Plant Solutions does not send people in-country, but forms partnerships with existing providers who use the resources 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.

We have an experienced team that can provide the resources that support food-based approaches, and we know how to communicate and promote information about highly nutritious local food plants to laypeople.  The style and presentation of our materials add significant value to projects and unlocks decision and action.

With some of our programs achieving a reduction in malnutrition by as much as 95%, this approach is proven, cost-effective and sustainable.

Get involved today – info@foodplantsolutions.org

History of FPS

Tasmanian agricultural scientist and Officer of the Order of Australia recipient – Bruce French, has spent over 30 years on a voluntary mission to document information on all the food plants of the world.

Bruce has established a database of over 35,000 edible plants, which continues to grow. The database contains descriptions, countries and climatic zones of the plants’ origins, photos, edible parts, and cooking methods. Nutritional information is available for a selection of these plants. All information in the database can be reproduced in a number of formats including CD, DVD, books and PowerPoint presentations.

Rotarian Buz Green, of the Rotary Club of Devonport North in Tasmania (D9830) developed a relationship between the organisation behind the database, Food Plants International, and Rotary to establish the Food Plant Solutions project.

Since June 2007, the Food Plant Solutions committee, with other volunteers, have transformed Food Plant Solutions from a concept into a dynamic international project that is internationally recognised.

The Need

Approximately 5 children a minute, under the age of 5, die from malnutrition.

1 in 4 Children

1 in 4 children under the age of 5
is afflicted with stunting.

Malnutrition robs children of their futures and it is preventable.

Food Plant Solutions is an innovative solution to end hunger, malnutrition and ensure food security that is sustainable, cost effective and proven to work. It’s simple – identify and grow the best local foods, that are highest in nutrients, to meet the nutritional needs of malnourished people throughout the world.

ROTARY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

In 1985, when PolioPlus began, polio paralysed approximately 350,000 children per year. Due to the dedicated efforts of Rotary and its partners there has been a decrease of 99% in polio cases.

And yet, every minute 5 children under the age of 5 die from malnutrition.

  • Like polio, hunger and malnutrition is preventable.
  • Like polio, Food Plant Solutions needs extensive partnerships.
  • Like polio, a long-term commitment is needed.

We are calling on all Rotarians to follow ‘End Polio Now’ with End Malnutrition NOW.

THE ADVANTAGES

  • Food Plant Solutions empowers people but particularly women, to understand the connection between plant selection and nutrition. We create educational publications, which are designed to quantify the nutritional value of the food and educate care-givers on what foods are more nutritious. The publications address malnutrition and food security and empowers women, who are often the main providers and purchasers of food in the family.
  • We form partnerships with existing aid providers, which reduces cost and duplication. This is a very cost effective approach.
  • We can link in with existing projects – most people in challenging situations also require nutritious food. The FPS approach is is as applicable in places where people are in conflict and turning to ‘bush’ foods to survive.
  • A partner only needs to give FPS information on where the project is and FPS can create the publications as described above. Field trips to determine suitable plants are not required, as the FPI database contains all the required information.
  • Food Plant Solutions is based in Australia and is a not-for-profit, ACNC registered, non-government organisation.
  • Food Plant Solutions provides an annual audited financial report.

Contact Us Today


    Food Plant Solutions Rotary Action Group
    PO Box 690, Devonport TAS 7310, Australia

    EMAIL: info@foodplantsolutions.org