Nutriton Solutions for Central America Conference

Wednesday – February 24, 2010

The day began with the opening of the Nutritional Solutions for Central America Conference in San Pedro Sula. The Conference is a partnership with Cargill, Fundahrse, World Soy Foundation (WSF), the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH), the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), and the National Soybean Research Laboratory (NSRL) of the University of Illinois. The conference was organized to bring together key decision makers from the government, industry, academia, and the non-governmental organizations to discuss creating nutrition solutions to the challenges of malnutrition in the nations of Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

Over 80 people attended the first day of the conference. Representatives of Cargill, Fundahrse, WISHH, and Mr. Nathan Ruby of the World Soy Foundation opened the conference with welcome presentations. The conference featured presentations on the fundamentals of nutrition, an overview of the current nutritional status in the region by a representative from CARE, panel discussions from groups active in Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua, examples of the power of Corporate Social Responsibility programs in the region, and the importance of school lunch programs were all a part of the agenda.

The challenges of malnutrition in the region are significant but the business community, non-governmental organizations, and governmental representatives are dedicated to creating solutions and working together to make a positive impact for the lives of the people in Central America.

The first day of the conference ended with an invitation to participate in the project field visits the following day.

The team then enjoyed a lovely meal with our partners from Cargill and our friends from CARE at a local restaurant. Again, the company and the meal were excellent and great discussions were held on the work underway throughout the region.