Heifer Korea's Dairy Initiative Combats Malnutrition in Bangladesh

Since 2023, Heifer Korea has been implementing the 'Milk for School' program in Sirajganj, Bangladesh. This initiative aims to address childhood malnutrition by distributing fortified yogurt called Shokti to primary school students. Currently, 1,245 students in the Bangla Union receive servings that fulfill 30% of their daily nutritional needs for essential vitamins and minerals.

The program partners with women's dairy cooperatives and Grameen Danone, ensuring a stable market for milk produced by these cooperatives. This collaboration has not only improved household incomes but also facilitated greater investment in children’s education, creating a positive cycle of community development.

In response to educational demands, the program expanded to the Salanga Union, reaching an additional 1,017 students. The second phase includes initiatives such as parent education and community campaigns to promote milk consumption and support dairy farmers' income sustainability.

Quality assurance is a critical component, with milk undergoing stringent testing at cooling centers. Women cooperative members play a key role in this process, and veterinarians provide support for quality improvements when needed. Membership in these cooperatives has increased by 44% since the program's inception.

Logistics innovations include the use of Tanda, a refrigerated bicycle, for yogurt delivery, which won the 2024 Bangladesh Retail Awards for Last-Mile Distribution Innovation. The initiative also involves hygiene education and recycling efforts, repurposing yogurt cups and converting plastic waste into useful items.

The program began with a legacy donation from the late Kim Geon-cheol, inspired by Korea's own history of milk programs post-war. It reflects a broader transformation from aid recipient to donor, with Heifer Korea continuing to foster sustainable development through livestock initiatives.