Kerry’s commitment to being the world’s leading sustainable nutrition company is one reason we were chosen to help develop a new immunity-boosting nutrition bar tailored for people experiencing homelessness or undernourishment.
Jones Chan, an R&D leader in the food and supplement industry, left the corporate world a few years ago to work on projects aimed at reducing malnutrition. His focus is currently on those in need closer to his home in Southern California.
Jones turned to Kerry to collaborate on the product he’s calling ‘ThessBar’, which is a novel meal alternative bar containing protein and key essential nutrients. It also includes Wellmune®, our yeast beta glucan product, which is scientifically supported to strengthen the immune system, protect against stress and promote healthy energy levels and mental clarity.
The goal is to do more than just feed hungry people—the bar addresses key need states for this population, including immunity, vitamin deficiencies, micronutrient inadequacies and dental concerns. A QR code on each ThessBar wrapper offers messages of hope and links to resources.
“Wellmune is a great fit for this product and this has been a special project to work on,” says Danielle Green, Sales Director – Supplements, who coordinated a cross-departmental team that included nutritional scientists and research and development. “Malnutrition causes stress on our immune system, and this population is more easily impacted by illnesses. It was important to be able to provide them with a proactive approach to improve their immune health.”
During development, Jones took the bars to the community to get opinions on taste and texture. “He’s taken their feedback and slightly tweaked the bar so that it is adhering to all of their needs,” says Danielle.
Now, the bars are just starting to get distributed to people in need in Southern California.
Kerry employees in the area pitched in to help with rollout of the ThessBar through local shelters and nonprofit organisations.
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