How PepsiCo Tackles Childhood Malnutrition & Food Security

Tackling childhood malnutrition is a major global challenge.

According to the World Health Organisation, nearly 45 million children under five suffer from wasting, which is the most life-threatening form of malnutrition.

The growth and cognitive development of 149 million children are permanently affected by chronic undernutrition.

In response, PepsiCo is leveraging its food and drink expertise through its Quaker brand to enhance food security in vulnerable communities worldwide.

Developing fortified foods in India

PepsiCo has initiated several global programmes aimed at combating hunger and malnutrition.

In India this has taken the form of the Quaker Bowl of Growth programme a collaboration between PepsiCo’s Quaker brand, the PepsiCo Foundation and the MAMTA Health Institute for Mother and Child.

The project focuses on improving nutrition for children aged three to five.

A key component of the Quaker Bowl of Growth programme is the provision of a nutritional supplement called panjiri.

This supplement, created by PepsiCo, is made with Quaker Multigrain and millet and is fortified with 18 essential vitamins and minerals.

It is designed to provide children with the nutrients they need for healthy growth.

The pilot phase of the programme included 1,000 children and yielded positive results.

Data from the pilot showed that 89% of the children demonstrated improvement or stable growth.

Additionally, 95% of caregivers reported an increase in their children’s appetites.

Alongside direct food provision, the programme incorporates workshops and community sessions to educate families on nutrition, hygiene and sustainable health practices.

Specialised nutritional support in Guatemala

A similar issue is present in Guatemala, where nearly half of all children under the age of five experience chronic childhood malnutrition.

In 2020, Quaker in partnership with CARE Guatemala and the PepsiCo Foundation launched its Quaker Qrece (Quaker Grows) project.

This initiative provides a specialised food to children between two and five years old, which is composed of oats milk eggs and peanuts and contains 17 essential vitamins and minerals.

More than 3,000 children across 86 communities have participated in the Quaker Qrece programme, with 90% showing improved nutrition.

Families in the programme also have access to workshops on hygiene safe water and waste management.

Rubén Jordán, Programme Manager for CARE Guatemala, says: “The most gratifying thing has been to see the change in the children to become stronger more curious and happier.

“It has also been inspiring to see mothers regain self-confidence and become community leaders.”

Food innovation for Brazilian diets

PepsiCo has set a goal of making nutritious food accessible to 50 million people by 2030.

Supporting this goal, PepsiCo's R&D team has developed a new food product for the Brazilian market where 33 million people face food insecurity.

The team discovered that peeling the husk from an oat grain reveals a rice-like kernel which offers twice the fibre and protein of regular white rice.

This innovation led to the creation of Quaker Oat "Rice", a product designed to integrate easily into traditional Brazilian meals.

Livia Favaro, Corporate Affairs Senior Impact Manager for PepsiCo in Brazil, explains its versatility: "This product can be at the table and a part of people’s meals.

“It can be as simple as rice and beans and can be as fancy as a risotto.

"You can make it into a dessert; it can be in a salad – it’s very versatile."

During the product's launch, 100% of profits were donated to Amigos do Bem, a local NGO.

This contribution helped provide meals to 25,000 Brazilians in the first year.

“This is just the beginning of a journey to fight food insecurity in Brazil,” Livia says.