At Vanguard Economics, we are proud to be an implementing partner of the Fortified Whole Grain Alliance (FWGA), a global movement dedicated to increasing the production and consumption of nutritious, fortified whole grain foods. Through this partnership, we are reinforcing our commitment to transforming school meals in Rwanda, ensuring that every child has access to food that fuels both their health and their future.
For the past five years, we have been at the forefront of a nutritional revolution, spearheading the adoption of fortified whole grains (FWG) in Rwanda. We firmly believe that we are now on the precipice of transforming school meals nationwide—creating a model that could set a new standard for nutrition in Africa and beyond.
Our journey began in 2020 with a pioneering pilot project implemented in partnership with The Rockefeller Foundation, that successfully introduced high-quality FWG maize flour into school meals. This initiative demonstrated that fortified whole grains could significantly enhance nutrition without increasing costs—a breakthrough in making healthier food accessible at scale. From co-developing FWG products with local millers to partnering with the World Food Programme to integrate these grains into school feeding programs, we have worked across the value chain to make this vision a reality.
Beyond supply chain development, we have also focused on driving behavioral change. Through consumer research and targeted social and behavior change communication (SBCC) campaigns, we have fostered a deep understanding and acceptance of FWG among schools, parents, and communities.
Now, as we move closer to national scale-up, our ambition is greater than ever. We are working to:
• Expand production capacity, ensuring a steady supply of fortified whole grains.
• Build a strong brand identity for FWG to increase awareness and adoption.
• Engage diverse procurement partners, from government institutions to private sector buyers, to create sustainable market demand.
• Advocate for supportive policies that integrate FWG into national nutrition strategies.
By working alongside FWGA and key stakeholders, we are amplifying our impact—moving beyond Rwanda and contributing to a global movement that champions nutritious, safe, and sustainably produced whole grain foods for all.
Join us in shaping a healthier future. Learn more about the vital work of the Fortified Whole Grain Alliance at www.fwg-alliance.org.