Chhattisgarh's Initiative for Nutritional Support to Mothers

Nutritional Support for Mothers in Dhamtari

Dhamtari, Dec 16: The Women and Child Development Department in Chhattisgarh is actively providing nutritious meals to pregnant women and nursing mothers through Anganwadi centres as part of the Ready-to-Eat (RTE) initiative.

This program aims to ensure that expectant mothers receive sufficient nutrition, promoting the health of their unborn children.

The government is investing substantial funds into this initiative to foster a healthier future for the nation.

Women in Dhamtari district have reported consistent access to nutritious meals via Anganwadi centres.

They noted that this government effort is particularly advantageous for low-income families, who often struggle to afford nutritious food.

The Ready-to-Eat meals are rich in essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, calories, calcium, and iron, contributing to noticeable health improvements for both mothers and their children.

Health professionals have praised the initiative. Dr. Avadh Pachori stated that the Ready-to-Eat meals are pre-cooked and packaged before distribution to pregnant and nursing women through Anganwadi centres, making them easy to consume and nutrient-dense.

He emphasized that these meals play a crucial role in combating malnutrition, particularly among mothers and children who require additional nutrition or are facing issues like anaemia and protein deficiency.

Consuming these meals two to four times daily can lead to significant health benefits, making it a highly effective government program.

Lactating mother Nandini Yadav shared her experience of her child's low birth weight. After starting to receive porridge and other nutritious foods from the Anganwadi centre under the RTE scheme, her child's weight increased rapidly.

She expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai for implementing this initiative.

Another mother, Savita Dhruv, recounted her struggles with her baby's low weight after birth. Upon learning about the Ready-to-Eat meals from a relative, she began receiving regular nutritious food, which has significantly improved her child's growth.

Anganwadi worker Damyanti Sahu mentioned that her centre has 11 registered children, who are served sweet halwa and savoury porridge for breakfast.

In addition to meals, the children participate in various activities. For lunch, they receive a menu that includes green vegetables, soybean nuggets, and mixed lentils.

She noted that this system is continuously enhancing the health and development of the children.