NEI Nutrition and Education International

Nutrition & Education International (NEI), based in Pasadena, California, is a non-profit organization dedicated to combating malnutrition in Afghanistan. Founded in 2003 as a 501(c)3, NEI operates with a multi-sector approach that includes nutrition intervention, economic development, gender equality promotion, and education support. The organization employs 39 people and generates $2.5 million in annual revenue. NEI's primary focus is on establishing a sustainable soybean industry in Afghanistan. This involves working with farmers to cultivate soybeans, processing the soybeans into various food products, and promoting the consumption of soy-based foods. NEI has partnered with over 30,000 farmers across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan and collaborates with humanitarian organizations like the World Food Program, as well as governmental agencies from the United States, Korea, Japan, and Canada. NEI's innovative approach has made significant strides in addressing malnutrition in Afghanistan. The organization has successfully harvested over 1,600 metric tons of soybeans, which are utilized by farmers, stored for future planting seasons, or processed and distributed through their Supplementary Soy Feeding Program during the winter months, a period when malnutrition is most prevalent. For further information about NEI and their mission to eradicate malnutrition in Afghanistan, please visit their website at neifoundation.org.