and skip a meal to fight iodine deficiency.

Noting that more than a billion and a half people face iodine deficiency, Bermuda's Kiwanis retiring Lt. Governor Robert E. Mello said: "It only takes five cents to protect a child from iodine deficiency disorder for a year.

"The cost of one meal can protect 24, 50, or even 100 children.'' Kiwanis International -- who have designated May 2 as IDD (Iodine Deficiency Disorder) Global Day -- intend to eradicate conditions leading to iodine deficiency by the year 2000.

To do this members around the world will hold a "Skip a Meal for the World's Children Week''.

In Bermuda this will occur from June 1 to 5.

Kiwanis' first International Service Project to Combat Mental Retardation is a joint project with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Iodine is necessary to produce the hormones that regulate brain and nervous system development.

And a lack of iodine during pre-natal development and early infancy can cause severe mental and physical disabilities. IDD has been virtually eliminated in industrialised countries by the almost universal consumption of iodised salt.

The Service Project has raised more than $25 million worldwide and local Kiwanians invite other service clubs, churches, workplace groups and the general public to join in the campaign.

UNICEF estimates that more than 50 Kiwanis funded IDD programmes have saved more than four million children from mental retardation.