NOW Foods Commits 40 Million
Supplements to Vitamin Angels

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Long-time Vitamin Angels supporter, NOW Foods made one of the most substantial contributions Vitamin Angels has recently received by announcing that it intends to donate 40 million supplements over the next 10 years.

“This is one of the most significant long-term commitments we have received in the 14 years Vitamin Angels has been in existence,” said Howard Schiffer, founder and president of Vitamin Angels. “Once we start seeing these children, we intend to see them regularly during their most vulnerable years. This donation from NOW Foods will help us keep that promise and literally save tens of thousands of children’s lives.”

While the contribution is earmarked for Operation 20/20, Vitamin Angels most aggressive campaign to date, with an end goal of eradicating childhood blindness due to vitamin A deficiency (VAD) worldwide by the year 2020, they can use the donation for any of their programs if, for example, another supplier was meeting all the product requirements for that program.

The work of Vitamin Angels was reaffirmed last month when 50 top economists, including five Nobel Laureates, announced that the single most important thing that must be done to combat the world’s biggest challenges is helping the 140 million children in the world who are undernourished. The Copenhagen Consensus 2008 assessed research to find the best solutions to the world’s biggest challenges and provided quantifiable solutions to the most pressing problems. The number one recommendation out of a total of 30 was providing nutrients for undernourished children.

“What better way could we recognize our 40th Anniversary and give back to the people of the world than this,” said Al Powers, president of NOW Foods, who made the announcement as part of the company’s 40th anniversary celebration at the annual NOW Foods Open House. “As we mark our 40 years in business, we felt we needed to do something very significant, above and beyond our usual programs, to help people in the greatest need. We could have contributed to many other important industry trade efforts, but Vitamin Angels’ is very closely aligned with our mission of empowering people to lead healthier lives.”

Today, NOW manufactures and distributes over 1,500 dietary supplements, natural foods, sports nutrition, and personal care products. The company has over 400 employees and its’ products are sold in over 60 countries. Now in their 40th year of business, the company remains family owned and committed to its original mission: providing value in products and services that empower people to lead healthier lives. For more information visit www.NOWFoods.com

In the last three years, Vitamin Angels has distributed over 300 million vitamins and other supplements in over 80 countries worldwide. Last year, Vitamin Angels distributed vitamins and other supplements to reach over 7 million children, lactating mothers and babies in 40 countries worldwide. To learn more about Vitamin Angels and “Operation 20/20” visit www.VitaminAngels.org.