September 29, 2014

First World Egg Day celebration set for October 10

International Egg Foundation (IEF) is celebrating World Egg Day for the first time this year on October 10.  The IEF is a new global foundation which helps provide people living in developing countries with greater access to eggs as part of its goal to combat malnutrition and provide people who are underfed and undernourished with access to a sustainable diet. 

The IEF is also working with the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization by sharing knowledge and technical expertise to help national egg organisations in Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe increase the number of eggs available to people in their countries. 

Through the IEF FAO Egg Capacity Building Seminars these Southern African countries are working to increase egg farming in their nation, and therefore increase the number of eggs available to people in their country.

Julian Madeley, IEF managing director, says:  "As well as being an excellent source of high quality protein, and containing all the essential vitamins and minerals required for a healthy diet, eggs have two key advantages when it comes to helping to improve diets in developing countries, they are one of the most accessible forms of high quality protein, and they are a truly sustainable option. "

FAO figures show that 870 million people suffer from chronic hunger.  Among children, it is estimated that 171 million under five years of age are chronically malnourished.  The international egg industry is determined to use the power of eggs to help make a difference, Madeley says.