FAQs
1) What the product is
What is LNS‐MQ?
LNS-MQ (Medium-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplement) is a power-packed peanut paste designed to give babies and toddlers a healthy start. Think of it as a specialised, ready-to-eat food—not a medicine—that fills in the critical gaps when a child’s diet simply doesn’t have enough nutrients. It’s focused on children aged six to 23 months but can be used by children up to 36 months in communities where food is scarce, helping to prevent malnutrition and ensure they grow up strong and healthy. It’s one of the most effective tools for supporting a child’s nutritional needs early in life and securing their future.
What is in each sachet?
A single, daily 50-gram sachet is all a child in the six–23-month age group needs to supplement their diet. This one sachet provides ~255 calories (1066 kilojoules) packed with protein, healthy fats, and all the essential vitamins and minerals needed for a child’s proper growth and development. The formula is precisely designed and meets the high-quality standards of UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP).
How is it prepared and eaten?
No cooking or mixing is required. Children can eat it directly from the sachet, or it can be mixed with appropriate, soft foods.
What does it taste like?
It has a rich peanut butter flavor, that is sweet and satisfying, with a smooth but slightly textured consistency.
Does it contain allergens?
Since this is a peanut-based product, it does contain peanuts, and some recipes may also include milk and/or soy. Caregivers must always check the label carefully and should never give it to children with known allergies to any of the listed ingredients.
Does it contain sugar?
Yes, it contains sugar. Sugar provides quick energy and improves the taste, helping children to accept and consistently consume the supplement. This supports growth and recovery in undernourished children. It also plays a functional role in stabilising the product.
How is it different to the peanut butter sold in South African supermarkets?
Unlike regular peanut butter, it’s enriched with extra protein, good fats (including omega-3s), and essential vitamins and minerals.It has a rich peanut butter flavor, that is sweet and satisfying, with a smooth but slightly textured consistency.
2) Safety, quality & storage
Is it safe and who sets the standards?
Yes, LNS-MQ is safe. It’s made in a fully-enclosed, highly-controlled factory to prevent germs. The facility is certified to the FSSC 22000 standard, which is one of the world’s most trusted food safety systems. The product follows strict guidelines set by global organizations like UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP), and every batch is carefully tested to ensure that it is free from harmful bacteria and that the nutrient levels are correct. This means each sachet is safe, nutritious, and ready-to-use.
How should sachets be stored and what is the shelf life?
Sachets should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Unopened sachets typically have a shelf life of 24 months when kept below 30°C. Once opened, the contents should be consumed within 24 hours. For safety, do not use any sachet that is punctured, leaking, or has an unusual smell or appearance.
Is it a replacement for breastfeeding or family foods?
No. LNS‐MQ complements breastfeeding and diverse family foods.
3) Evidence that it works
Is there credible evidence that LNS‐MQ works?
Yes. LNS-based supplements, including LNS-MQ, have been extensively studied and are recognised as effective in preventing and treating malnutrition in children. They are used by global organisations such as UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP) in community nutrition programmes and have been shown to support healthy growth and improve vitamin and mineral levels in children.
Where can I see the technical details?
Technical specifications for LNS-MQ, including full nutrient tables and manufacturing guidelines, are published by several reputable organisations. UNICEF provides detailed specifications (e.g. code S0000324), and similar information is available from the World Food Programme (WFP), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The full specifications can also be shared on request.
4) Programme design, funding & transparency
How are donations used?
R10=1 sachet (a child needs 30 sachets a month). Every donation directly supports children in need. R10 provides one nutritional sachet to a child, enough to support their needs for one day. Compact Food Solutions manufactures the sachets at their facility in Cape Town, and the sachets are distributed by Food Forward SA, an audited partner in the campaign.
Are donations tax‐deductible?
Qualifying donations may receive Section 18A tax certificates through our authorised non‐profit partner, FoodForward SA. Details can be viewed and requests for certificates made via the microsite.
Who are the partners and what are their roles?
• Compact Food Solutions (Pty) Ltd: responsible for product formulation, manufacturing oversight, and quality assurance.
• FoodForward SA (and other NGOs): logistics, storage, distribution, and compliance reporting.
• Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres/clinic partners: enrolment, caregiver support, and monitoring.
Partner MOUs define roles, responsibilities, and reporting obligations.
How will you report results to donors and the public?
We are committed to providing regular updates on key indicators (number of children enrolled, coverage, and qualitative feedback). After the pilot, we will publish an independent summary of outcomes and lessons learned on our website.
5) Safeguards against misuse and ‘scam’ concerns
How do I know this is legitimate and not a scam?
• The product is a recognised nutrition supplement used globally in prevention programmes.
• The pilot is implemented with established non‐profit partners and audited financial flows.
• Donor funds flow into ring‐fenced accounts with clear documentation.
• We publish partner lists, governance structures, and post‐campaign reports.
• Batches are traceable; any adverse event or complaint can be logged.
What controls prevent leakage or resale?
Distribution is carefully planned and recorded at each center. Stock is tracked by batch and expiry date and used sachets and adherence records are periodically checked. Any suspected misuse is investigated, and corrective actions are taken to prevent it from happening again.
Do you screen children before giving LNS‐MQ?
Yes. Before a child receives LNS-MQ, trained staff, such as those at Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, check a few things: they confirm the child is old enough (usually at least six months), ask the caregiver about any allergies to ingredients like peanuts, milk, or soy, and look for signs of serious illness or malnutrition. Children who appear severely malnourished are referred to a clinic for specialised care. Children who pass these checks can receive LNS-MQ, which helps support healthy growth and nutrition.
Who do I contact with questions or complaints?
You can contact us through our published helpline or email for any questions, feedback, or concerns. We will review and respond to all enquiries to ensure you get the necessary information or support.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +27 21 788 1766
Campaign Website: www.raisealife.co.za
Address: 61 Cannon Island Way Extension, Capricorn Technology Park, Cape Town
6) About Stunting
What is stunting?
Childhood stunting is defined as being too short for one’s age, a chronic form of malnutrition resulting from inadequate nutrition, repeated infections and lack of psychosocial stimulation.
It’s measured by comparing a child’s height-for-age to the World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards, standards. A height below two standard deviations from the median indicates stunting. In South Africa, caregivers are given a growth chart at birth, and a child’s growth is measured at each clinic visit. If the chart shows the child is not reaching their expected growth milestones, it may indicate a risk of stunting.
Stunting can lead to irreversible physical and cognitive impairments, increased risk or death, and long-term disadvantages, including potential learning difficulties and reduced earning potential as adults.
What are the “first 1,000” days? How does this apply to the “Raise A Life. Raise A Nation.” Campaign?
The first 1,000 days refer to the period from the start of a mother’s pregnancy until her child’s second birthday. This is a critical window for a child’s growth and development. Nutrition, health care, and stimulation during this time have long term effects on physical growth, brain development, immunity, and learning ability.
The “Raise A Life. Raise A Nation.” campaign focuses on supporting children during these first 1,000 days, specifically when they are between six and 23 months of age, because this is when interventions like good nutrition, health care, and early learning have the greatest impact. By helping children to thrive in this period, the campaign strengthens individual lives and contributes to the development of a healthier, more capable nation.
Why is Compact Food Solutions concerned about stunting?
Stunting matters because it affects a child’s physical growth, brain development, and long-term health, which can limit learning, productivity, and overall well-being later in life. Compact Food Solutions is concerned about stunting because we believe every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive. While government and non-governmental programs exist to address malnutrition, many lack sufficient resources or do not focus on the critical first 1,000 days of life— from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday. Our “Raise A Life. Raise A Nation.” campaign targets this period to give children the best start in life, because interventions during these early days have the greatest impact on preventing stunting and supporting lifelong health and development.
How is stunting prevented?
Stunting can be prevented by ensuring children get the right nutrition, especially during the first 1,000 days of life (the period between pregnancy and the child’s second birthday). This includes providing nutrient-rich foods like LNS-MQ, supporting breastfeeding, maintaining good hygiene, providing access to clean water, and helping caregivers with guidance and support to give children proper care. Together, these measures help children grow well, develop properly, and build a strong foundation for lifelong health and learning.
Why is Compact Food Solutions asking consumers to donate?
Compact Food Solutions believes in using our resources and expertise to help children who are undernourished and at risk of stunting. Through the “Raise A Life. Raise A Nation.” campaign, we invite everyday people, businesses, and communities to join us in making a real difference. Donations help to cover the cost of getting high-quality nutrition products—like LNS-MQ—to children who need them most. We’re not asking people to support our business; we’re asking them to support a cause that helps children to grow up healthy and strong. It’s about working together to build a better future and unlock South Africa’s potential, one child at a time. Compact Food Solutions has donated products to multiple NGOs in the past, and the feedback from these organisations—together with national stunting statistics—makes it clear that this is not a problem one company or individual can solve alone. It must be addressed in the spirit of Ubuntu, where we all play a part in lifting the most vulnerable.
Why start with a pilot in the Western Cape instead of rolling out nationally immediately?
A phased pilot reduces risk and increases learning. The Western Cape was selected due to operational proximity to our manufacturing and warehouse hub; partner readiness; reliable distribution routes; and the ability to closely monitor adherence, referrals and stock control. Credible results from a defined pilot area help to secure broader funding for scale‐up.
Do you have written endorsements from UN or international humanitarian organisations?
We follow UNICEF and WFP product specifications for LNS‐MQ and align our counselling and referral practices with WHO and national guidance. Formal endorsements for specific campaigns are not generally issued. Where applicable, we refer to the relevant UNICEF specification and WHO/DoH guidance in our materials.
How many children under five live in South Africa?
According to Statistics South Africa’s 2024 Mid‐Year Population Estimates, there are approximately 5.96 million children aged 0–4 years in the country. This helps to illustrate the scale of need and why targeted pilots are essential before national roll‐out.We follow UNICEF and WFP product specifications for LNS‐MQ and align our counselling and referral practices with WHO and national guidance. Formal endorsements for specific campaigns are not generally issued. Where applicable, we refer to the relevant UNICEF specification and WHO/DoH guidance in our materials.
Why is stunting a problem in South Africa? Why isn’t the Government doing more about it?
Childhood stunting is defined as being too short for one’s age, a chronic form of malnutrition resulting from inadequate nutrition, repeated infections and lack of psychosocial stimulation.
It’s measured by comparing a child’s height-for-age to the World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards, with a height below two standard deviations from the median indicating stunting. In South Africa, caregivers are given a growth chart at birth, and a child’s growth is measured at each clinic visit. If the chart shows the child is not reaching their expected growth milestones, it may indicate a risk of stunting.
Stunting can lead to irreversible physical and cognitive impairments, increased risk or death, and long-term disadvantages, including potential learning difficulties and reduced earning potential as adults.
Stunting affects roughly one in four young children in South Africa, reflecting ongoing nutrition and food‐security challenges. Government leads multi department efforts (health, social protection, early learning, food systems), and progress requires public‐private collaboration. Our pilot complements, not replaces, public services by addressing nutrient gaps in the critical six–23-month window, with referral pathways into the health system.