Nourishing Schools Foundation Tackles Malnutrition in India with Innovative Toolkit Approach

The Nourishing Schools Foundation (NSF), a Bengaluru-based nonprofit organization , is making strides in addressing the problem of malnutrition among children in India. Through its innovative toolkit-based approach, NSF seeks to address the awareness gaps in nutrition and empower children to become problem-solvers.

The organization has implemented its program in over 230 government schools across the country, impacting more than 60,000 children. The toolkit includes games, activities, and projects that help children learn about nutrition, diet, food, water, hygiene, and other related topics in an engaging way. The program is rolled out over an academic year, with a baseline survey, customized interventions, and an endline survey to measure the impact.

NSF is now expanding its program to private schools in Bengaluru, adapting its approach to address the specific challenges and needs of the private school ecosystem. The organization focuses on simplifying information, leveraging technology, and tackling issues like micronutrient deficiencies and hidden hunger, which may be more prevalent in private schools.

Why this matters: Malnutrition remains a significant challenge in India, affecting millions of children and hindering their growth and development. NSF's innovative approach to nutrition education has the potential to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of India's younger generation.

The Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF), a global network of governments, businesses, and civil society organizations, supports national, locally-sourced, and nutritious school meal programs. GCNF aims to expand opportunities for children worldwide to receive adequate nutrition for learning and achieving their potential.

In Canada, Farm to Cafeteria Canada (F2CC) awarded $15,000 in Seed Grants to 6 schools across the country, thanks to a partnership with the Plant a Seed and See What Grows Foundation. The grants will benefit an estimated 1,550 students and support efforts to increase access to healthy, local, and culturally appropriate food while creating opportunities for hands-on learning about food systems.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation , headquartered in Bengaluru, runs the Mid-Day Meal Programme in over 24,000 government and government-aided schools across 16 States and 2 Union Territories, serving 2.1 million children every school day. The organization has cumulatively served over 3.5 billion meals since its inception in 2000 and aims to nourish 3 million children by 2025.

These organizations, along with others like NSF, are working tirelessly to address the nutritional needs of children and ensure they have access to healthy, nourishing meals. By focusing on education, empowerment, and sustainable solutions, they are paving the way for a brighter future where no child goes hungry and every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Key Takeaways

• NSF, a Bengaluru nonprofit, tackles malnutrition in India through nutrition education.
• NSF's toolkit-based program has reached over 60,000 children in 230 government schools.
• NSF expands to private schools in Bengaluru, addressing micronutrient deficiencies and hidden hunger.
• GCNF supports national school meal programs to provide adequate nutrition for children.
• Akshaya Patra Foundation serves 2.1 million children daily through its Mid-Day Meal Programme.