Our Founder
Howard Schiffer founded Vitamin Angels in 1994, and believes every child deserves the chance to lead a full and healthy life.
Howard Schiffer started his career as a midwife, learning about the importance of prenatal nutrition for maternal and child health. He then transitioned into a successful career in the natural products industry developing quality products and turning them into best sellers through innovative marketing and promotions. In 1994, Howard founded Vitamin Angels and led the organization until 2025. He currently serves as Founder and Board Director. Howard is the author of ten books. He has three children and lives with his wife in Santa Barbara, California.
How Vitamin Angels Started
After the Northridge Earthquake in January 1994, a relief agency contacted Howard requesting a donation of vitamins for families in Southern California. Howard was struck by how happy the natural products industry was to give, and how grateful they were to have an opportunity to make a difference.
His “a-ha!” moment came soon after when he learned of the dramatic impact that vitamin A has on a child’s development However, very few of the children who needed it had access to it even though vitamin A supplementation is simple and inexpensive. In response, Vitamin Angels gave over 100,000 vitamins to families in need that first year.
A Continuing Legacy
More than 30 years later, Vitamin Angels continues to expand its impact and influence each year. In 2024, the nonprofit public health nutrition organization reached over 74 million women and children across 65 countries. Under the leadership of CEO Ana Cespedes, the Vitamin Angels team carries on Howard’s legacy, working to realize his vision of a world where every mother has a healthy pregnancy, and every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
How You Can Continue Howard’s Mission
Program Partners
Bolster your health services with training and resources for offering vitamin A supplementation, deworming, and prenatal vitamins and minerals in your community.
Corporate Partners
Show your brand’s commitment to making a life-changing impact with Vitamin Angels’ cause marketing, employee engagement, and sustainability programs.
Engaged Communities
Discover resources for working together to raise awareness for systemic solutions that help low-resource settings overcome health disparities.