Milaan Foundation’s Post

Education is a ladder, but what if the rungs are missing? In India, millions of children face malnutrition, stunting their physical and mental growth. This isn't just about empty stomachs; it's about dimmed dreams and stolen potential. In this week's blog, Bhagyashri Wankhade, a public policy student at KSPP, explores child malnutrition in India. She finds that half of India's children under 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition, impacting their learning and health. But all's not lost! Initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman and community gardens nourish minds and bodies. Programs like Uttarakhand's child adoption and Odisha's community monitoring empower communities to fight back. In her blog, you'll find the power of intervention. The story of Nidhi takes you from malnourished to thriving! She's proof that with proper care, every child can blossom. Click the link below to learn how you can break the cycle of malnutrition: https://lnkd.in/gZ-JKYAR #indiabykautilya #KautilyaSchoolOfPublicPolicy #publicpolicy #policymakers #student #universities #education #college #innovation #blog #blogpost #ChildMalnutrition #malnutrition

The Daily Feeding Program by Feeding India represents a significant initiative aimed at improving both nutritional and educational outcomes for the children of Antyodoy Anath Ashram by ensuring they receive daily nutritious meals. Here are the key impacts of such a program: 1.      Nutritional Security: Ensures orphaned children receive regular, nutritious meals, addressing potential food insecurity and malnutrition issues. 2.      Health Improvement: Supports better physical health, growth, and development by providing essential nutrients crucial for their well-being. 3.      Educational Support: Enhances attendance rates and concentration in class, leading to improved academic performance and educational outcomes. 4.      Emotional and Social Benefits: Provides a sense of stability, care, and belonging, which can positively impact their emotional and social development. 5.      Empowerment and Opportunity: Helps break the cycle of poverty by improving overall health and educational attainment, potentially opening up better future opportunities. 6.      Community Integration: Fosters community support and involvement, creating a network of care around orphaned children and promoting social inclusion. 7.      Long-term Impact: Sets a foundation for lifelong health, education, and socio-economic well-being, contributing to their overall resilience and ability to thrive. #AntyodoyAnathAshram #orphans #orphanage #OrphanChildren #happy #zomatoindia #food #FeedingIndia #DailyFeedingProgram #DFP #WestBengal #Bengal #Kolkata #Zomato

🌟 Empowering Young Minds: KSSD Trust and FeedingIndia’s Daily Meal Program! 🌟 At KSSD Trust, we understand the vital role nutrition plays in a child’s education. Our collaboration with FeedingIndia ensures that our students receive the nourishment they need to excel. Our dedicated team works diligently every day to provide balanced, healthy meals that support our students' academic and physical growth. This initiative is about more than just feeding – it’s about giving our students the tools to succeed. Why Nutrition is Crucial Nutritious meals are important for: Academic Success: Well-nourished students are more focused and perform better in school. Physical Development: A balanced diet supports healthy growth. Mental Health: Proper nutrition enhances concentration and a positive mindset. Our Feeding Program With FeedingIndia's invaluable support, our program ensures: Nutritious lunch and snacks for all teaching staff, students, and working staff. Meals served according to a thoughtfully planned menu. Regular attendance tracking to ensure every child benefits. A system that is always ready for audits, maintaining transparency and accountability. Heartfelt Thanks to FeedingIndia We are deeply grateful to FeedingIndia for their steadfast support. Their commitment to fighting malnutrition has profoundly impacted our students' lives. Join Our Mission Help us provide quality education and nutrition to underprivileged children. Together, we can create a brighter future for the next generation. #FeedingIndia #KSSDTrust #NutritionMatters #BrighterFutures #EducationalSupport #nutrition #TogetherWeCan #childrights #ZeroHunger #malnutrition #sharingiscaring #zomato

India ranked 111th out of 125 countries in the 2023 Global Hunger Index! 📈 Do you know what it means for the children of the lowest-income communities? Well, it simply translates to 'serious' issues of hunger and malnutrition. Students like ours, who come from the most under-resourced communities, are often at the receiving end of it, thus impacting their learning & growth. We at iTeach Schools took a small step to tackle this. Recently, we partnered with Feeding India, a Zomato giveback, to provide breakfast and mid-day meals to our students. Feeding India is an organization that works to eradicate hunger and malnutrition in India among underserved communities, and now we are on a mission together to nourish the bodies and minds of around 2000 students across 6 iTeach Schools. Once this program started, we saw some immediate impact. The sight of our students lining up for second and third servings was a reminder of the hunger they faced before - many without a meal to bring from home. Some of the students would feel sleepy and tired as a result of not eating enough in the second half of school, and they just weren't able to focus. This isn't just a meal program; it's a stepping stone towards a future they deserve to choose. With every bite, they're not just satiating hunger - they're feeding their potential. PS. Read the heartfelt poem from one of our students! ♥️ ____________________________________ #iteach #iTeachSchools #iTeachPune #middaymeals #feedingindia #feedingindiapune #transformationaleducation

A recent survey by the Early Childhood Association across 125 schools has unveiled a stark reality: the majority of school cafeterias are in the grips of junk food, while school managements remain largely in the dark about the food's origins and preparation methods. As a Mumbai-based nutrition counselling company, our mission has always been to advocate for the importance of nutrition education, not only for children but also for young parents. We understand the significant impact of diet on the growth and development of young minds and bodies. Our efforts extend to collaborating with schools to revamp their menus, incorporating healthier options like millets and a variety of vegetables, and trying to ensure these foods are prepared in a way that preserves their nutritional value. The essence of this conversation is not just about what our children are eating, but about the future we're building for them. As members of this professional network, many of us hold roles as parents, educators, or influencers within our communities. We have a unique opportunity to leverage our collective voice and advocate for a nutritional revolution in our schools. We invite you to join us in this crucial conversation. Let's make nutrition a priority for the young minds of India, for they are the ones who will shape our future. #NutritionMatters #HealthySchools #ChildWellbeing #EducationalReform #ProfessionalCommunityAction #NutritionForChildren #HealthyIndia #SchoolNutrition #ChildHealth #Parenting #EducationReform

Sudipta's story is a powerful example of how education and awareness can bring about positive change in one's life. It's inspiring to see how Arogya World’s Healthy Schools Program, delivered by CINI, has impacted Sudipta's health and well-being positively. Despite facing many health challenges due to being underweight, Sudipta initially refused to eat home-cooked food and opted for junk food, causing concern for her #family. However, through the Healthy #Schools Program, Sudipta actively learned about healthy eating habits, the benefits of exercise, and the risks of both obesity and the importance of being the right weight. It's amazing to see how Sudipta embraced these lessons and made positive lifestyle changes, including eating less junk food, which led to her feeling more #energetic and #healthier. Her overall improvement in quality of life is an inspiration to others who are facing similar challenges. Sudipta's story highlights the #importance of educating and raising awareness about healthy living in communities where unhealthy practices are prevalent so that individuals can make informed #choices and lead #healthier lives. #Join us in #transforming behavior patterns in children across India from an early age, before lifestyle #habits are established, through our school-based program. This initiative empowers #adolescents to learn about and lead #healthy lifestyles through #innovative, engaging, and age-appropriate activity-based lessons, with a proven 15% #impact validated by Stanford CARE. Click to collaborate and participate in the joy of giving https://lnkd.in/dUpYQFhd #indiagivingday #collaboration India Philanthropy Alliance  Gosia Hoyle Rural India Supporting Trust (RIST) #IndiaGivingDay #MakeItPossible 

Meet Ruby, a dedicated mother from Delhi who used to struggle with her children's cravings for junk food. But her children now eagerly wait for the simple, healthy and tasty meals she cooks for them. Things turned around for Ruby when she attended sessions with Buniyaad, a Development Consortium (DC) partner project that mentors pregnant, married, and lactating women on preparing balanced meals on a budget. Ruby learnt that soups can be nutritious whether hot or cold, and she started incorporating healthy snacks like bajra laddoos and sesame laddoos into her family's meals. This simple change significantly improved her family's nutritional status and reduced their reliance on junk food. The consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor junk food is a significant public health concern in India causing a range of nutritional issues among children ranging from obseity, nutritional deficiency to stunting and wasting. It also increases the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer later in life. The impact of junk food consumption on children's nutrition is often more pronounced in lower-income and marginalized communities, exacerbating existing socioeconomic inequalities. Project Buniyaad, aims to mitigate this risk for children in marginalized communities in Delhi, particularly in Trilokpuri. In urban slums like Trilokpuri, many children are stunted, underweight, or wasted, and 25% of women of reproductive age suffer from under-nutrition, leading to an inter-generational cycle of undernourishment. Through sessions that guide women on preparing a balanced diet on a budget, Buniyaad has made a significant impact on many families, including Ruby's. Together, we can create healthier communities. To find out more about project - https://lnkd.in/gJNcUQQi #Nutrition #Health #CommunitySupport #Buniyaad #DevelopmentConsortium #HealthyLiving #Delhi #FFEC #FamilyWellbeing Foundation for Equal Citizenship (FFEC and FFEC USA)

PoV 🚨 Alarming Study: Nearly 1 in 5 Indian Children Experience Extreme Food Deprivation 🍽️ A recent study published in JAMA Network Open sheds light on a concerning issue: the prevalence of 'zero-food children' in India, estimated at 19.3%. This stark reality highlights extreme food deprivation among children, raising urgent concerns. The report identifies Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh as states with the highest concentration of zero-food children, comprising nearly two-thirds of the total. This alarming situation underscores the imperative for immediate and major intervention by the government. Children are the cornerstone of our nation's future, and addressing their basic needs should be a top priority. Detailed article can be read here: https://lnkd.in/dVid3jFN #ChildHunger #FoodDeprivation #IndiaHealth #GovernmentAction #ChildWelfare #FutureLeaders #ZeroFoodChildren #PublicHealthConcern #ChildhoodNutrition #AlarmingStudy

Addressing hunger and child malnutrition in India requires a holistic approach together with co-operating government, businesses and society involving the strengthening of health and nutrition programs, improving sanitation, and ensuring food security. Enhancing community awareness and participation is also crucial for creating sustainable solutions. Continued efforts and collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies are essential to make significant strides in combating these issues. By strengthening nutrition programs, improving healthcare services, ensuring food security, enhancing sanitation, increasing awareness, promoting economic development, and fostering collaborative efforts, significant progress can be made in alleviating malnutrition and ensuring a healthier future for India's children. #child #people #india #economy #livelihood #ngo #cso #childs #womenerights #women #humanrights #education #humanrights #nature #sdg #sustainability #development #environment #equity #equality #money #jobs #childrights #childeducation #childprotection #childlabour #womenempowerment #education #life #economy #jobs #hiring #biodiversity #ilo #un #mithilfereports #mithilfefoundation #mithilfengo #womenandwealth #vulnerable #finance #business #banking #business #mithilferesearch #womenempowerment #womanlifefreedom #disability #people #aid #support #diversity #mithilfe #mithilfefoundation #technology #digital #divide #tech4good #innovations

🌟New Chapter Ahead! 🌟 I'm excited to announce that I have joined Let's Educate Children In Need (LECIN) as an intern. LECIN is dedicated to the holistic development of children, focusing on early childhood education, health, and nutrition. I had the privilege of a recent introductory call with Nupur Bhardwaj and Rohit Kumar, the inspiring founders of LECIN. They shared the incredible initiatives that LECIN is spearheading to nurture and support children's growth. Personal Story/Observation : Having previously visited several Anganwadi centers, I witnessed firsthand the impact of proper nutrition and education on young children. These experiences have fueled my passion for making a difference in early childhood development, and I am thrilled to be part of an organization that aligns with these values. About the Campaign : LECIN has recently launched the #SehatWalaKhana campaign, an integral part of their POSHAN program. This initiative focuses on providing healthy, nutritious meals, snacks, and fruits to children at Anganwadi centers. Objectives of the Campaign : 1. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗘𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁𝘀 : Encourage sustainable and healthy eating practices among children and their communities. 2. 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 : Equip mothers with the knowledge and skills to prepare nutritious and balanced meals using locally available, affordable ingredients. 3. 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 : Identify and screen for malnutrition and other undiagnosed health issues in children. Why This Matters : Malnutrition is a significant issue in India, affecting many children under the age of 6. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 35.5% of children under five are stunted, 32.1% are underweight, and 19.3% suffer from wasting. Initiatives like POSHAN are crucial in addressing these challenges and ensuring that children receive the nutrition they need to thrive. I am genuinely excited to be part of this impactful journey, working towards a healthier future for children. Together, let's make a difference! 🌱💪 You can find more about this initiative here : https://lnkd.in/gD_v5qbB #ChildDevelopment #EarlyChildhoodEducation #Nutrition #LECIN #POSHAN #SehatWalaKhana