This Bar Saves Lives

From chips to candy and protein bars, US snack sales was $374 billion in 2014 according to Nielsen. Five-hundred million was spent on Twinkies alone according to the Wall Street Journal. Whether we are eating healthy snacks or guilty pleasures, one thing is certain that is a whole lot of snacks! And while many in the US have the luxury of choosing which snacks they want when they are hungry, there are many throughout the world that are not afforded that same luxury. Every year, severe acute malnutrition claims the lives of 2.6 million children. That’s one child every 12 seconds.

There are currently 20 million children worldwide that are suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Right now less than 10% of children are receiving the life-saving treatments they need This means that they have a low weight-for-height ratio and suffer from wasting (extreme thinness) or edema (swelling)—often resulting from illness and a lack of nutritious foods in their diet. It is a preventable, yet serious, life-threatening condition.*

“People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17

Risen writer, Mei Ling Nazar recently met the founder of This Bar Saves Lives. He brought together a group of influencers and bloggers with the hope of sharing and spreading the mission of This Bar Saves Lives. He explained the process that for every This Bar Saves Lives bar that is purchased, a Plumpy’Nut^® bar is produced and sent to areas of need. In the last decade, Plumpy’Nut^® has become the most important weapon in the war on global hunger. It’s a nutrient-rich paste made from peanuts, milk powder, sugar, vegetable oils, and a mixture of vitamins and minerals. Plumpy’Nut^® is revolutionary because it’s so simple. It doesn’t need to be mixed with water, cooked or refrigerated, and it has a 2-year shelf life. Three a day for seven weeks and Plumpy’Nut^® takes a child from near death to certain survival.*

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’  “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”  Matthew 25:35-40

While there are millions of severely malnourished children that require the immediate help of Plumpy’Nut^®, the best long term solution for the global tragedy of childhood malnutrition is prevention. Nutributter^® was designed for undernourished children below the age of two to prevent stunting—a condition caused by a diet lacking in essential calories, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals—which not only affects a child’s growth, but also their lifelong health and productivity.*

Risen Reflections

Share a meal. Whether it is through This Bar Saves Lives or another organization, help an individual or family in need. We recommend working with an established organization as they typically know the needs of the country or community. Some even have participants register so that they can track progress and make sure that participants aren’t taking advantage of the resources. These organizations often partner with the other local groups to make sure that they are supporting one another in their efforts and not overlapping. Pray about volunteering with your family, friends or small group at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter. Sit down and listen to the stories of the people that are there.

Purchase products that give back. From shoes to paper plates, there are so many products that we use everyday that have companies that give back. Take time and research the products that you use everyday to see if there is a company that produces that same product and give back. If the cost to you is the same and there is a benefit to the community or to others, consider switching products. As you research, look at the amount that is given back to the non-profit. While many claim to give back to others, it is often good to verify what that means to that specific company.

Help someone. Pray and ask God to show you someone he wants you to help. It could be the person you pass on the drive in to work everyday, a family at church or a friend in need. Listen to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and be obedient. Helping others isn’t the easiest thing, but God wants us to demonstrate His love to others through service. Be willing to sacrifice your time and treasure to help another person. If the opportunity presents itself, be open to share your story of how you met Christ or a difficult season where you experienced God’s provision.

*From This Bar Saves Lives website