What is Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF)?
Every year, millions of children suffer from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM)—a life-threatening condition that contributes to nearly half of all deaths among children under five. Without treatment, many children do not survive, and those who do often face lifelong physical and cognitive challenges.
Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) has transformed the treatment of severe malnutrition. Developed through years of research, RUTF is a nutrient-rich peanut-based paste made from roasted peanuts, powdered milk, vegetable oil, sugar, and essential vitamins and minerals. Because it requires no refrigeration or preparation, it can be safely used in homes and remote communities, allowing severely malnourished children to recover quickly. Plumpy’Nut is a brand of RUTF that is similar to the Project Peanut Butter’s RUTF.
RHCI partners with Project Peanut Butter, a nonprofit affiliated with Washington University in St. Louis that manufactures RUTF in Sierra Leone and other African countries. Under the supervision of RHCI nutritionist Umu Shour, severely malnourished children receive RUTF, while children with moderate malnutrition receive Bennimix, a fortified porridge. Children are monitored every two weeks and typically remain in the program for three to six months, giving them the nutrition and follow-up they need to regain their health and thrive.
This past year, over 2600 malnutrition visits for children under age 5 took place through RHCI’s malnutrition program, providing services to over 400 children. RHCI is thankful for Umu and her dedicated staff who administer this program with love and compassion.
RHCI is grateful to the many people who help make this program possible, in particular Christ the King Lutheran Church Foundation (New Brighton, MN), Improving Chances Foundation, Westwood Lutheran Church (MN), and the Berglund Family Foundation.
