The first six years of a child’s life decides their future and growth. Regular consumption of balanced nutrition during this critical phase significantly reduces the risk of chronic diseases later in life. Recognising these benefits, providing high-quality nutrition is essential for a child's holistic development.
Did you know? In India, approximately 20.8% of children under five years of age suffer from acute malnutrition, while 58.4% are anaemic.
Additionally, pregnant women and lactating mothers face significant nutritional challenges, with around 50% of pregnant women suffering from anaemia.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers have unique dietary requirements in order to nurture their offspring. Ensuring their well-being, with nutritious diets, essential services and proper care is extremely important for the long run.
The Anganwadi Feeding Programme
The Anganwadi Feeding Programme was started by the Indian Government as a part of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme to combat child hunger and malnutrition in children aged 0-6.
The Akshaya Patra Foundation delivers cooked meals to pregnant women, lactating mothers and children at Anganwadi centres (AWCs). This initiative operates in tandem with the provision of mid-day meals in schools as part of the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan, aiming to combat child malnutrition.
Similar to our approach with mid-day meals, we tailor our offerings to local tastes. For instance, in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, our menu includes rice, pulihora, tomato dal, spinach pappu, yellow cucumber pappu, bottle gourd pappu, sambar and green leafy curry. In Gujarat, we serve tur dal lachko, thepla with vegetable preparation, jeera rice, desi chana gravy, vegetable pulav and sambar.
Cost of each meal: ₹6.5 per person.
Frequency: 6 days a week, from Monday to Saturday, totalling an average of 300 days per year
Currently, Akshaya Patra serves meals to 73,500 children at 2,940 Anganwadi centres across five locations in three states of India. Your contribution can provide nutritious meals to expectant and new mothers, as well as growing children.
SUPPORT ANGANWADI FEEDING PROGRAMME. MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Let’s support child nutrition in India.
By becoming a part of Akshaya Patra’s feeding programmes, you can make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable communities. Your support not only brings nourishment but also avails tax benefits, empowering you to be a catalyst for change.