The team of servers of the Fraternity – International Humanitarian Missions (FIHM) that composes the Angola Mission carried out two activities on the preparation of the multimixture flour and presented the projects of solar dehydration for fruits and soups, as well as the prototype of a dehydrator, as an alternative for a more complete utilization of food.
The first activity took place on 11/24/22, it was a visit with an exchange of experiences. Carried out by the humanitarian servers, together with members of Caritas Angola, for Caritas Viana, in Calumbo, where a group of mamas have already been working in the preparation of multimixture flour and soups, serving them twice a week to the local population.
On 01/12/22, a training session was offered at the Caritas Angola in Luanda Headquarters, with the participation of representatives of the Diocesan Caritas, the National Institute for Health Research (INIS), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Pastoral Care for Children, the Jesuit Refugee Service and the “mamás” of local communities.
During the activities, there was an explanation about the nutritional composition of the multimixture flour and the different steps for the preparation.
For the participant João Manuel, from Caritas Angola, to improve the knowledge about multimixture is essential: “In the current context of Angola, in which children face numerous health difficulties, especially malnutrition, multimixture ends up being an immediate and also long-term answer and, in this way, we strengthen health, both in the family and in the public sphere”.
Mother Teresa, member of the Fraternity – Humanitarian Missions (FIHM), highlights the importance of knowing the technique of dehydrating food “in a society where food waste is a challenge to be overcome”.
Food and Nutritional Security
Since the foundation, the Fraternity – Humanitarian Missions (FIHM) has sought an ideal of nutrition based on simplicity, adaptability to what is produced in each place and integral health, with initiatives permeated by sustainable practices and interaction with nature.
Throughout the years of operation, the Fraternity – Humanitarian Missions (FIHM) has studied and implemented self-sustainability practices aimed at improving procedures to generate products that meet the needs of the most vulnerable populations, as well as growing vegetables, which can be adapted to different contexts of social and humanitarian crises.
This type of activity falls within the actions dealing directly with Food Security, specifically with Standard 3, as provided for in the Sphere Humanitarian Standards.
Multimixture Flour
Multimixture flour is a food supplement for children, youth and the elderly in vulnerable situations, with full utilization of the food available regionally.
The multimixture flour enriches the habitual diet with several minerals, vitamins and fibers and is composed of toasted flakes (rice, wheat and corn), dark green leaves powder (cassava, pumpkin, sweet potato or moringa) and crushed seeds (sesame, pumpkin, watermelon, sunflower or peanut).
Food Dehydration
Dehydrating food is a valuable way of preserving fruit and vegetables, taking advantage of nature’s seasonal resources and making them last for longer periods. It consists of removing a large part of the vegetables’ water, concentrating their nutritional calories, benefits and physical properties, such as color and flavor, and guarantees greater preservation of their nutrients, minerals and vitamins.
Learn more about the actions of the Fraternity – Humanitarian Missions (FIHM) on food security.
