“Now we know our A, B, C’s ... ”

A nonprofit organization called the Healthy Foundation provides vitamin and mineral supplements to more than 6,000 children from low-income families at more than 100 locations in 35 states. The program, Vitamin Relief USA Children First, is a public- private partnership that distributes daily chewables to children at risk for malnutrition and nutrient deficiency. Since the program began in 1999, the results have been astounding. In a survey of 62 participating partners, parents and teachers saw marked improvement in student attendance, achievement, behavior, energy, appetite and self-image. Carolyn Thomson, a teacher at Tom Elementary School in rural Haworth, Oklahoma, says, “I am amazed the vitamin program could provide such gains in so many areas. I estimate a 50% decrease in absence in the first grade.” This year Congress earmarked a $500,000 appropriation to the Healthy Foundation to conduct a definitive study measuring improvements in behavior and academic performance among schoolchildren participating in the program. Contact the Healthy Foundation at 877-935-5348 or online at www.healthfound.org.