Dr. Rolle’s food insecurity focus:

Supporting local food banks and community pantries by donating money, non-perishable items and activating volunteers.

Advocate for policy change that recommends folic acid fortification of corn masa and white rice to prevent Spina Bifida in Florida’s most vulnerable populations.

Educate and raise awareness about food insecurity and nutrition, encouraging healthier eating habits and supporting other local food initiatives.

ROLLE TO FEED

Food insecurity occurs when individuals or households lack consistent access to enough safe and nutritious food for an active, healthy life. It affects millions of people worldwide and is influenced by factors such as poverty, unemployment, rising food prices, and limited food distribution. Children are especially vulnerable, as inadequate nutrition can lead to stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and impaired cognitive development. In many cases, food insecurity is not just about insufficient calories but also about poor food quality, lacking essential vitamins and minerals. This is where food fortification plays a critical role. Food fortification is the process of adding key micronutrients—such as iron, iodine, vitamin A, or folic acid—to commonly consumed foods to address nutrient deficiencies in the population. It is a cost-effective public health strategy that can be implemented through staple foods. Folic acid fortification of staple foods, such as flour and rice, has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects, including spina bifida, when consumed by women before and during early pregnancy. By ensuring consistent population-wide intake of folic acid, fortification programs provide an effective, low-cost strategy to prevent these serious birth defects. This approach is particularly valuable in communities where access to diverse, nutrient-rich foods is limited. While fortification alone cannot eliminate food insecurity, it works as a powerful complement to other interventions, such as improving food access, supporting local agriculture, and expanding nutrition education. Successful programs require government regulation, industry cooperation, and ongoing monitoring to ensure nutrient levels are safe and effective. Public awareness is also vital so that people understand the benefits and continue to consume fortified products. Ultimately, tackling food insecurity demands both short-term relief measures and long-term strategies, with food fortification being one of the most efficient tools in the fight against malnutrition. By combining fortification with equitable food access, societies can move closer to ensuring that all individuals have the nutrition they need to thrive.

VIDEO - DR. MYRON ROLLE’S IMPACT

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