Nutrition Initiative tackles undernutrition among children in Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat, Wayanad, Kerala

61% increase in the children in the normal nutrition category and a 47% reduction in children suffering from protein-energy malnutrition in 21 months

Launched in 2022 as part of the ‘Rural Rising’ campaign by United Way of Bengaluru and in alignment with the Aspirational District development framework of NITI Aayog, the ‘Nutrition Initiative’ aimed at combating undernutrition in children within Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat, Kerala’s second-largest tribal-populated area, has achieved remarkable progress. With the successful implementation of 400 co-active kitchens, the program has directly impacted 700 children. Over 21 months, there was a 61% increase in the children in the normal nutrition category and a 47% reduction in children suffering from protein-energy malnutrition. A 3rd party study conducted revealed a social return on investment (SROI) of INR 7.4 for each rupee invested in the cooked meal intervention.

30 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) have been refurbished, creating safe spaces with child-friendly environments. The cooked meal intervention/nutrition initiative targeting the micronutrient requirements of children has been implemented in 42 Anganwadi centers. The focus was on improving the overall nutritional status, especially among the tribal communities of Wayanad, through nutrition education and behaviour change.

1. Infrastructure upgradation with a nutritious cooked meal: Children at AWCs received 3 meals a day, 6 days a week, with the menu consisting of local and culturally appropriate ingredients, encouraging healthy eating habits.
2. Nutrition promoters: influenced families to adapt to nutritious cooking and consumption and be co-partners in the child’s development process. This improved children’s attendance at AWCs. Community mobilization, nutrition sensitization, and frequent home visits to parents' homes brought awareness and behavioural change among them.
3. Co-Active Kitchens for Enrichment (CAKE), a community-based model, was implemented in 30 AWCs to foster community-level change. It encouraged participation in cooking activities, introduced new recipes, and educated mothers on nutrition and healthy cooking.

The initiative implemented by United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) in collaboration with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partners has been closely supported by the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Wayanad, and the members of Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat, whose valuable inputs and approach helped ensure the program's success. The Panchayat has decided to sustain the initiative by allocating the required funds for the continuation of the initiative in the AWCs and communities in the panchayat.

This has garnered attention at both local and state levels due to the collaborative efforts of the Gram Panchayat and various government departments, including Local Self Governance, Health, National Health Mission, and Civil Food Supply. The partnership has played a crucial role in the success of this program, which is now set to serve as a model for similar initiatives not just across Kerala but on a Pan-India basis.

“We’ve seen remarkable improvements in the nutritional status of children in the Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat. The community-driven approach, combined with strong collaboration with the government, has ensured the sustainability and replicability of this program. It’s heartening to see that this model is now being discussed at the state level,” said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru.