A Plumpy'nut Christmas

In this space we usually poke fun at religious kitsch, but occasionally we give a shout-out when someone makes a really great product—such as Plumpy’nut, made by Nutriset. In 2000, this 50-person French company rolled out a vitamin-rich peanut paste that has already saved the lives of thousands of children in famine-stricken regions around the world. The secret to Plumpy’nut’s success? It doesn’t need water; children can eat it directly from the package; 100 grams provides 500 calories; it has a shelf life of 24 months; and it costs aid groups just 35 cents a packet. Food aid groups say the product has increased their capacity to feed children tenfold. Joyeux Noël!