Global Food Aid: Africa

There is an urgent and persistent need in Africa for quality, nutritious food to help combat the prevalence of infant mortality, malnutrition, and other chronic diseases. The Alaska Global Food Aid Program is meeting the demand with hundreds of thousands of meals to these areas. We also conducted research with new products (randomized controlled trial of canned herring in Guinea-Bissau) and forms (wild Alaska seafood powder in Republic of Congo).

Guinea-Bissau, one of the world’s lowest-income countries, benefitted from the nutritional value of canned salmon and canned herring through the Alaska Global Food Aid Program. The International Partnership for Human Development (IPHD) incorporated canned salmon into its McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program to help provide a reliable protein source for school meals. Students enjoyed the salmon, and school cooks found it easy to prepare alongside familiar local foods.

ASMI later partnered with IPHD to address seasonal malnutrition during the rainy season. Working with nutrition scientist Dr. Nina Schlossman and her Tufts University research team, the Alaska Global Food Aid Program conducted a randomized controlled field study using Alaska canned herring in three villages. The study found that adding canned herring to the diets of children under five helped mitigate weight loss (wasting) during the three-month lean season.

This research helped strengthen the evidence base for the nutritional benefits of Alaska seafood across diverse populations. It also complemented IPHD’s broader efforts to increase school participation, particularly among girls, promote malaria prevention, and improve school facilities and sanitation.

In the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville), ASMI partnered with the International Partnership for Human Development (IPHD) to introduce Alaska seafood powder into school meal programs. Developed in response to demand for a shelf-stable, nutrient-dense option that did not require shipping canned products, the powder provided the nutrition and flavor of Alaska salmon in a versatile format.

The seafood powder was incorporated into school lunches for nearly 5,000 children throughout the year, helping add vital nutrients to daily meals.

In Liberia, Samaritan’s Purse provided Alaska canned herring as a super supplement to victims of war, rape, abuse, and to orphans and individuals with HIV/AIDS. Over nine months, the super nutrition of the herring improved growth and development. The results were statistically significant and showed improved nutrition status, especially of those living with HIV/AIDS.

World Help in Uganda targeted the most vulnerable by serving Alaska canned salmon and herring in orphanages. The results were excellent, and participants found the salmon and herring easy to integrate with local ingredients and incorporate into local dishes.