Beyond The Headlines: Biden vows to contribute US$1B to Africa, Canada touts homegrown faba beans for protein

This week in nutrition news, the US government revealed it would provide US$1 billion in humanitarian aid to 31 African countries. At the same time, Protein Industries Canada unveiled a project to fortify foods with protein from Canada-grown faba beans and the New York City Council heard testimony on a bill to require healthier children’s meals at restaurants.

Nutrition news

US President Joseph R. Biden announced that the country will provide over US$1 billion in additional humanitarian assistance to aid food insecurity and other critical needs of refugees, internally displaced persons and affected communities in 31 African countries. This announcement, made during his visit to Angola, solidifies commitments made at the 2022 US-Africa Leaders’ Summit to tackle the acute food insecurity crisis in Africa, where nearly 300 million people faced hunger in 2023. The funds, including contributions from the US Agency for International Development and the US Department of State, will support life-saving programs and emergency healthcare, while strengthening the resilience and well-being of vulnerable populations across the continent.

Protein Industries Canada revealed it has invested in a project aimed at developing new high-protein ingredients from Canadian faba beans. The collaborative effort involved Griffith Foods, BFY Proteins, Botaniline and Faba Canada, each contributing expertise to produce neutral-flavored, high-protein, reduced-salt and allergen-free faba bean proteins for consumer-packaged goods. The initiative will boost Canada’s global market competitiveness and stimulate economic opportunities within the ingredient manufacturing sector. By improving faba bean protein processing methods and commercializing the ingredient, this CA$7.7 million (US$5,487,242) project promises to bolster the Canadian agricultural economy and support sustainable, nutritious food production.Protein Industries Canada invested in a project aimed at developing new high-protein ingredients from Canadian faba beans.

Meanwhile, the New York City Council recently heard testimony on legislation requiring restaurants to offer at least two nutritious kids’ meals. The bill looks to extend existing measures mandating healthy beverages with kids’ meals by setting broader nutrition standards. Testimony from a wide range of community stakeholders, including medical professionals and faith leaders, expressed strong support for the initiative and, if passed, New York City would become the fourth jurisdiction in the US and the first outside Maryland, to enforce such nutrition standards. Proponents argued the policy would facilitate healthier dining options for children and support parents in promoting good eating habits.

Business news

TriNutra announced that Health Canada approved its OmegaQuin dietary supplement, which synergistically combines its ThymoQuin, a full spectrum, cold-pressed, US Pharmacopoeia-compliant extra virgin black seed (Nigella sativa) oil and omega-3 fish oil. OmegaQuin’s health benefits for modulating inflammation and positively impacting metabolic health factors like fat storage, energy production and insulin resistance have been proven in two published studies. According to the company, the approval enables manufacturers to recommend OmegaQuin for supporting heart, brain and cognitive health, moderating stress, maintaining healthy gut microbiota, supporting liver function and supporting normal triglyceride and glucose levels.

The Herbalife Family Foundation (HFF) awarded US$5 million in grants to 164 nonprofit organizations across 59 countries and territories. The grants, part of the Casa Herbalife Program, will support partners dedicated to providing nutritious meals, educational resources and safe environments for children and underserved communities. Fueled by contributions from Herbalife’s independent distributors and employees, the foundation aims to empower communities, helping approximately 200,000 children worldwide. This year marks the 30th anniversary of HFF, which continues to support sustainable, locally driven solutions to food insecurity and childhood development through a global network of partners.The New York Common Pantry and Roblox will offer a virtual experience to children in a bid to educate US children and families about the effects of hunger.

Product launches

Premier Nutrition and Hometown Food Company unveiled an expanded product line with the introduction of Premier Protein Frozen Protein Waffles, Chocolate Chip Protein Waffles and Mini Protein Pancakes. The companies stated that these new offerings contain 13 to 15 g of protein per serving, are easy to prepare, cater to busy lifestyles and are ideal for a quick meal or a post-workout snack. Moreover, the companies said the protein-packed offerings pair well with a variety of toppings, from fresh fruit to Greek yogurt and are easy solutions for maintaining muscle and aiding satiety.

The New York Common Pantry launched “Mission: Hunger” to address the one in five US children — approximately 14,920,000 — predicted to face hunger this holiday season, increasing their risk for chronic and long-term mental health issues. Since nearly half of US children play in Roblox daily, the program offers a virtual experience on Roblox to educate children and families about hunger by merging education with entertainment. Through this interactive game, players engaged in activities like restocking shelves and preparing meals, learning about hunger’s causes via mini-games and AI-driven characters based on real-life stories. The initiative looks to translate virtual actions into real-world impacts, with hopes that in-game meal donations would mirror actual charitable contributions.

Scientific studies

A University of Edinburgh, Scotland, study highlighted affordability and awareness as key barriers to animal product consumption among Ethiopian children. Published in Maternal and Child Nutrition, the study notes that, despite Ethiopia’s vast livestock resources, only a small fraction of children under five regularly consumed animal-sourced foods. Dairy and eggs are somewhat common, but meat and seafood are rarely eaten — a limited diet that contributes to malnutrition and stunted growth. Researchers analyzed national health survey data and conducted interviews, finding that high costs and caregivers’ limited nutritional knowledge often led to the sale rather than consumption of these products. Cultural and religious practices also restricted access to nutritious foods. In the Amhara region, where the study focused, nearly half of the children who seldom ate animal-sourced foods experienced stunted growth. Researchers recommend introducing at least one meat item daily to combat stunting and plan interventions to educate caregivers about the benefits of animal-sourced foods for children.