IEC launches egg foundation to tackle global hunger

A new charitable foundation, the International Egg Foundation (IEF) has been launched by the International Egg Commission during its IEC Business Conference Vienna 2014.

This new global foundation will help provide people living in developing countries with greater access to eggs as part of its goal to combat malnutrition and provide people who are underfed and undernourished with access to a sustainable diet.

Figures produced by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) show that 870 million people suffer from chronic hunger. Among children, it is estimated that 171 million under five years of age are chronically malnourished.

Bart Jan Krouwel, chairman of the International Egg Foundation, explained: “A lack of access to high quality protein is a major problem for many people living in developing countries. As FAO figures show, malnutrition is a major issue globally; millions of people are suffering. Eggs are an excellent source of high quality protein, they contain all the essential vitamins and minerals required for a healthy diet. Eggs also have two key advantages when it comes to helping to improve diets in developing countries, they are one of the most accessible forms of high quality protein, and they have a low carbon footprint, making them a truly sustainable option.”

The IEF will work with leading charitable organisations, universities, and leading egg businesses around the world to provide financial support and technical advice to increase egg production in developing countries.

The IEF will provide technical advice as well as financial assistance to farmers and entrepreneurs. Operating in the truest sense of Corporate Social Responsibility, its work will enable farmers and entrepreneurs in developing regions to increase their own local egg production. Bart Jan Krouwel went on to explain: “The more eggs that are produced, the more eggs people can consume, providing a much needed source of high quality protein to people who are underfed and undernourished.

“As well as providing access to food, small scale egg production schemes have been proven to help people in developing countries achieve financial independence and increase their social standing. Small scale egg production projects have also proven highly successful in encouraging a sense of community in refugee situations.”

Through its links with the International Egg Commission and the world’s largest egg businesses, and by partnering with the world’s largest, most effective, charitable foundations and organisations including Rabobank Foundation and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, the International Egg Foundation is committed to making high quality egg protein accessible to people living in developing countries; it is committed to making a real difference to people’s lives.