Meals for Millions Foundation (Los Angeles, Calif.)

The Meals for Millions Foundation of Los Angeles was a non-profit organization dedicated to the eradication of hunger in the world through “three-cent meals.” The plan for such a program was formulated by Clifford Clinton (of Clifton cafeterias in Los Angeles), who, with the assistance of Dr. Henry Borsook of Caltech organized the foundation in 1946. The basic product of the foundation, known as Multi-purpose Food, was a tasteless additive that could be mixed with virtually anything. Developed by Dr. Borsook, MPF was said to provide one-third of the daily vitamins, minerals, and protein needed by the average adult.

Shortly after setting up the Foundation, Clinton brought in Florence Rose and Ernest Chamberlain to be co-directors and take over the day-to-day management. This collection or archive consists primarily of the office and personal files of Miss Rose, most of which she rescued from destruction when Meals for Millions began to change course in 1965. Florence Rose left the Foundation at that time and was then associated with Investors Overseas Services until her death in 1969.

From the guide to the Meals for Millions Foundation Records, 1946-1967, (University of California, Los Angeles. Library. Department of Special Collections.)