The National Food and Nutrition Commission

Overview

The National Food and Nutrition Commission (NFNC) is a statutory body that was established in 1967 by an Act of Parliament, Chapter 308, No. 41 under the Ministry of Health as an advisory body to the Government on matters concerning food and nutrition. Its broad objective is to promote and oversee nutrition activities in the country, primarily focusing on vulnerable groups such as children and women. In pursuance of this mandate, the NFNC has, since inception undertaken several activities aimed at nutritional improvement with varying degrees of success. Many of these have been done through collaborative effort with both local and international stakeholders.

Our Vision

To be Zambia’s centre of excellence in leading food and nutrition action for optimal nutrition

Our Core Values

Creativity
Empowerment
Teamwork
Trust

Mission Statement

To provide efficient and effective leadership for coordinated food and nutrition action in Zambia

Organisational Setup

The mandate specified in the National Food and Nutrition Commission Act guides our operations. We have a strong administrative and professional back bone which implements these operations. For administrative and operational purposes, the NFNC is responsible to the Minister of Health.

Funding

The NFNC receives a monthly grant from Government through the Ministry of Health for its administrative operations. It also receives financial and material support from multinational and bilateral agencies, as well as local and international NGOs depending on need.

Core Functions

In line with its objectives, the NFNC:

Continuously assesses the extent and distribution of malnutrition in the country by identifying, among others, dietary deficiencies and their causal factors
Conducts research that provides information on the nutritional needs of the population
Liases with relevant government ministries, other government departments, international and nongovernmental organizations in the coordination and integration of development plans and programmes relating to food and nutrition
Coordinates the work of all Nutrition Groups functioning in various districts
Produces various information, education and communication materials used in teaching nutrition in communities and schools
Facilitates nutrition training at professional, supervisory and field levels to improve programme implementation