Our Founder
Howard Schiffer founded Vitamin Angels in 1994, drawing on his experience as a midwife, and his success in the natural products industry. Today as the leader of Vitamin Angels, he’s helping us reach millions of women and save newborn lives on a global scale.
Meet Vitamin Angels’ Founder
Howard Schiffer started his career as a midwife, learning about the importance of prenatal nutrition for maternal and child health. After a successful career in the natural products industry developing quality products and turning them into best sellers through innovative marketing and promotions, Howard founded Vitamin Angels in 1994. Howard truly believes every child deserves the chance to lead a full and healthy life. Howard is the author of three 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. He learned of the dramatic impact that vitamin A has on a child’s development. And how despite vitamin A supplementation being simple and inexpensive, very few of the children who needed it had access to it. That first year, Vitamin Angels gave over 100,000 vitamins to families in need.
A Continuing Legacy
Over 25 years later, fueled by love, care, and the certainty that it is possible to make an important and lasting impact, Vitamin Angels continues to grow and to expand its efforts to reach underserved populations. The nonprofit public health nutrition organization has come a long way, and yet Howard is more focused than ever on helping mothers and children, leading the Vitamin Angels’ community with the same passion and optimism that were there at the start.
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.