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Ten years ago, MFK opened its Cap-Haitien factory where approximately 400 metric tons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) is produced each year.
The need for a sustainable energy source was apparent: to save as many lives as possible, MFK began a Capital Campaign in 2021 to bring solar power to the factory. We are proud to announce that we have now achieved this goal, and a newly-installed solar array now provides nearly 100% of the factory’s energy!
In Haiti, energy is not a guarantee. When MFK started making Medika Mamba, no electricity or machinery was available. Peanuts for the RUTF were ground with the help of a local street grinder and, later, with a hand grinder. Then a bicycle wheel, motor, and a car generator were added to grind peanuts more efficiently.
MFK steadily developed new ways to meet the demand for Medika Mamba. The team was working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to grind peanuts by hand and produce larger volumes of RUTF.
Soon enough, MFK gained the attention of UNICEF and other global organizations wanting to purchase Medika Mamba. A small-but-mighty operation was no longer sufficient, and so MFK began raising money to build a factory. The Cap-Haitien factory was finally operating in 2012, powered by diesel fuel.
Operations ran smoothly, RUTF was being made and distributed across Haiti and 17 other countries. However, in 2021 Haiti fell into a state of disarray due to the COVID-19 pandemic, political unrest, an earthquake, and on top of it all, a shortage in diesel fuel. Production at the factory suffered as a result.
Knowing the uncertainty of using diesel as a primary energy source, MFK was already preparing a solution. In January 2021, a Capital Campaign launched to raise $1.5 million for “Solution Soleil” to bring solar power to the factory. While the campaign progressed MFK’s factory team persevered through more challenges over the next two years and managed to nearly double production despite nationwide shutdowns in 2022.
This year, MFK is on track to save the lives of over 100,000 children. The introduction of solar power to the factory will make a sustainable, life-changing difference for malnourished children and mothers in Haiti and around the world. Meds & Food for Kids is extremely grateful for the immense showing of support through Solution Soleil to Save Lives, Give Hope, & Transform Futures.
