Akshaya Chaitanya, a leading non-profit organization, has launched the “Bowl of Growth Program” to address the pressing issue of malnutrition among children in Mumbai. This innovative initiative aims to provide nutritional support to 4,000 children from balwadis and primary schools across the city. The program, supported by the PepsiCo Foundation, focuses on three key pillars: nutrition, awareness, and education.
By providing fortified multigrain and millet-based supplements, the program seeks to improve the nutritional status of children aged 3 to 14. Dr. Bhushan Gagrani, Municipal Commissioner of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), praised the initiative, highlighting its alignment with the state government’s efforts to eradicate malnutrition. He emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing such critical issues. Prachi Jambhekar, Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Education & Planning, also expressed her support for the program, emphasizing its potential to improve child health and educational outcomes. She highlighted the need to scale up the initiative to reach more children in the future.
Vikas Parchhanda, CEO of Akshaya Chaitanya, emphasized the significance of malnutrition as a public health crisis in India. He highlighted the alarming rates of stunting, underweight, and wasting among children in Maharashtra, particularly in urban slums. The program aims to address these challenges by providing nutritional supplementation and education to caregivers. The “Bowl of Growth Program” is a commendable step towards combating malnutrition in Mumbai. By focusing on nutrition, awareness, and education, the initiative has the potential to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of children in the city.
