Technology / Expertise

Malnutrition Matters offers sustainable food technology solutions to NGO's / PVO's and small-scale commercial enterprises in developing countries by:

A. Offering good-value food processing equipment from a number of sources internationally, mostly from developing countries. The main focus is on the processing of soya, into an aqueous solution. This solution or "soymilk" can then be consumed as a beverage, or further processed into a variety of other value-added products such as tofu, yogurt, spreads, puddings, etc. The fiber-rich "Okara" residue from this process is available for breads, as additions to other foods, or can be used as animal feed. A parallel focus is on the processing of fruits, vegetables and cereals into aqueous solutions, for juices, soups, purees, pastes, spreads and gruels. No food waste needs to result from such processing.

B. Offering project design / management and general support about facets of the technical and non-technical aspects for the use of the technology and the production of these foods. Issues relating to food product development, nutrition, and agriculture are addressed. A major aspect is the development of micro-enterprises and business guides and training for local CBO's, NGO's and small businesses. Another key objective is the development of projects for processing and preserving of foods from produce that is in seasonal "glut" supply and which is often wasted due to lack of local markets or processing options (examples of these are mangos and tomatoes).

C. Offering the technical expertise necessary for setting-up local fabrication or assembly of the food technology, or of setting up local training and service centers.

Orphanage Children Ready to Enjoy Daily Soymilk in North Korea

1. Equipment

The primary production process involved is grinding and cooking the food in water and the subsequent extraction and/or separation of the products as necessary.There are three types of equipment available,the SoyCow, the VitaCow and the Vitagoat. The SoyCow and VitaCow systems (click on "VitaCow" for more details on both) require access to electricity since the grinding is done through the use of a motor, as well as access to running water. These two systems perform aqueous cooking only. The "VitaGoat". system does not require electricity or running water and is significantly less expensive. The VitaGoat system allows both aqueous cooking as well as dry grinding (cereals, grains, nuts) or mashing (fruits, vegetables).

Small Scale / Micro-Enterprise

The SoyCow equipment is priced over US$6,000 not including shipping, taxes or duties. These systems are suitable for many different environments or sites including: institutions (hospitals, schools, NGO's etc) as well as small businesses or cooperatives. Such applications can provide essential proteins, oils, carbohydrates and micronutrients for 500 to 1000 people per day. They can also provide local employment for up to ten people per system, depending on production volumes.

The VitaGoat costs US$3,500 not including shipping, taxes or duties. As no electricity or running water is required, the VitaGoat is also suitable for village and rural environments, such as women's self-help groups and Nutritional Supplementation Programs.

2. Expertise

The principals and specialists of Malnutrition Matters, together with allied expert consultants can provide the following know-how and training:

a) Engineering, design and technical development

b) Sourcing, Installation and Production

c) Project Design and Management

d) Food product development and nutritional information

e) Packaging and distribution

f) Raw food/input sourcing and agricultural support