Governments:
Government of South Africa
Government of United States of America

Major Groups:
South African Nutrition Society (South Africa)
the UK National Heart Forum (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
Association of Country Women of the World ()
HelpAge ()
Wellness Info-net ()

Other intergovernmental organizations:
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) (Italy)
World Health Organization (WHO) (Switzerland)
United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (Italy)
World Health Organization (Switzerland)

Other:
Potchefstroom University ()
University of Western Cape ()
University of Westminster ()
the University of the Orange Free State ()

This partnership aims to contribute to the implementation of recommendations developed in the joint WHO/FAO expert consultation on diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases (Geneva, Switzerland, 28 January - 1 February 2002; draft report available via lfriberg@earthsummit2002.org).

"Obesity prevention policies must go hand in hand with strategies to prevent undernutrition." (WHO). Nutrition is a major determinant of health. Unhealthy diet (and a sedentary lifestyle) effectively handicap people and contribute to premature deaths from cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and obesity related illnesses (particularly Type 2 diabetes). The shift to diets high in saturated fats, sugar and refined foods (the 'nutrition transition') has contributed to worsening nutrition and significant growth of obesity in children and adults in developed and developing countries.

The links between good health and economic improvement have been well documented. Good nutrition contributes to development of human capital, increased productivity, reduced poverty, etc. The delivery of nutritious food to every household, at all levels of income, is an achievable aim.