NBTY, Vitamin Angels deliver nutrition to Nepal victims
NEW YORK — One of the leading American vitamin manufacturers NBTY and Vitamin Angels, a nutrtional supplement charity organization, separately shipped funds and product to survivors of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal last week.
Vitamin Angels partners Global Nutrition Empowerment and Project for a Village expressed the need for additional micronutrient supplement grants to expand their reach to affected communities, Vitamin Angels announced. While not a disaster relief agency, Vitamin Angels is responding to the emergency by expediting and increasing the number of vitamins being sent to the country.
“The importance of proper nutrition in the aftermath of disasters is vital to maintaining good health when those already at risk of undernutrition are faced with even greater challenges in obtaining food and clean water, as well as increased exposure to illness,” said Howard Schiffer, president Vitamin Angels. Schiffer had founded Vitamin Angels in the wake of the 1994 Northridge earthquake in California.
And NBTY has made a more-than $500,000 in-kind donation, shipping both Nature's Bounty multivitamins and calcium supplements along with Balance Bar meal replacement solutions to Nepal survivors through Feed the Children. In addition, NBTY has been helping to raise funds for Feed the Children.
“As a global leader in the wellness industry, we at NBTY recognize our compelling corporate responsibility to do whatever we can to help alleviate some of the suffering being experienced by the people impacted by this horrific event,” said Andrea Staub, VP communications and corporate social responsibility at NBTY. “We wish the people of Nepal solace and strength as they begin the enormous task of rebuilding their lives and their country.”
“Feed the Children, on behalf of our local disaster response partners around the world, is grateful for the generous support of long-time donor NBTY,” said Matt Panos, Feed the Children chief development officer. “Their commitment to donate both gifts-in-kind and cash will provide much-needed relief and aid in the nutritional health and well-being of those impacted by disasters. This type of contribution - cash along with health, wellness and nutritional products - are crucial forms of assistance to communities impacted by natural disasters. We’re extremely thankful that NBTY is answering the call through this significant donation, and Feed the Children will work with our partners to put these valuable resources to use.”
Vitamin Angels has been working with various non-profit partners in Nepal since 2008 to distribute needed nutrients to populations that are not being reached by government health programs.