Maeil Dairies Gifts 'Heartmeal Box' to Children with Congenital Metabolic Disorders

From Drinks to Toys and Clothing, Age-Appropriate Selection
Prepared with Proceeds from Goods Sold in the Campaign

Maeil Dairies' infant food specialist brand Absolute announced on the 7th that it has delivered 'Heartmeal Boxes' as gifts to 111 children suffering from the rare disease 'congenital metabolic disorder,' which affects approximately 1 in 50,000 people in Korea.

Maeil Dairies Heartmeal Box
Photo by Maeil Dairies

Congenital metabolic disorder is a genetic metabolic disease characterized by a deficiency or absence of specific enzymes that break down essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids in the body. Patients find it difficult to freely consume common foods including breast milk, meat, bread, and rice, and must adhere to strict dietary management by consuming special formula milk throughout their lives.

Since 2013, Maeil Dairies has conducted the Heartmeal campaign annually to raise awareness of congenital metabolic disorders and support patients and their families. Since 2018, the company has produced and sold 'Heartmeal goods' and donated all proceeds to gifts for the patients. Additionally, Maeil Dairies is the only company in Korea that has been manufacturing and supplying eight types and twelve varieties of special formula milk for children with congenital metabolic disorders for 25 years since 1999.

The goods sold in this year's Heartmeal campaign were the 'Heartmeal X Pleatsmama Blanket.' This was a collaboration with the eco-friendly fashion and accessories company Pleatsmama. The blanket was made from materials recycled from discarded PET bottles to promote a sustainable natural environment.

The Heartmeal Boxes gifted to patients are composed differently each year. This year, Maeil Dairies prepared gifts including beverages suitable for patients from their product lineup, as well as age-appropriate items ranging from toys for infants to crossbody bags and clothing for teenagers and older, tailored to their preferences.

A Maeil Dairies representative stated, "Based on Maeil Dairies' philosophy that 'not a single child should be left out and all should grow up healthy,' we are leading various activities to fulfill our corporate social responsibility and exert a positive influence on society. We hope that the Heartmeal Boxes delivered ahead of this Lunar New Year will be remembered as joyful memories by the patients and their families who endure strict dietary management daily."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.