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How Ready-to-Eat Food is Transforming Lives for Mothers and Children in Dhamtari

The Women and Child Development Department is running a crucial nutrition program in Dhamtari. They provide Ready-to-Eat food to pregnant and lactating mothers through local Anganwadi centres. Mothers like Nandini Yadav have seen their children's health improve dramatically thanks to the scheme. Health experts praise the initiative for directly tackling malnutrition and anaemia in the community.

Key Points: RTE Scheme Boosts Nutrition for Mothers and Children in Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari

  • The RTE scheme provides pre-cooked, nutrient-rich food to combat maternal and child malnutrition
  • Beneficiaries report significant health improvements, including rapid child weight gain
  • The initiative targets anaemia and protein deficiency with essential vitamins and minerals
  • Anganwadi centres serve a fixed menu including halwa, porridge, vegetables, and lentils
3 min read

Ready-to-Eat nutrition giving new life to mothers and children in Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari

Chhattisgarh's Ready-to-Eat scheme delivers vital nutrients to pregnant women and lactating mothers via Anganwadi centres, fighting malnutrition in Dhamtari.

"This government initiative is extremely beneficial for the poor and needy families. - Lactating mothers in Dhamtari"

Dhamtari, Dec 15

The Women and Child Development Department is providing nutritious food to pregnant women and lactating mothers through Anganwadi centres under the Ready-to-Eat (RTE) scheme in Chhattisgarh’s Dhamtari.

The objective of this initiative is to ensure adequate nutrition for expectant mothers so that the child growing in the womb is born healthy.

The government is spending crores of rupees on this scheme to build a healthy and strong future for the nation.

Lactating mothers in Dhamtari district said they are receiving nutritious food regularly through Anganwadi centres.

According to them, this government initiative is extremely beneficial for the poor and needy families, as financial constraints often make it difficult to purchase nutritious food from the market.

The Ready-to-Eat food provides essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, calories, calcium, and iron, leading to visible improvements in the health of both mothers and children.

Health experts have also termed the scheme beneficial. Speaking to IANS, Dr Avadh Pachori said that Ready-to-Eat food is pre-cooked and packed before being distributed to pregnant and lactating women through Anganwadi centres by the Women and Child Development Department. It is easy to consume and rich in nutrients.

He added that Ready-to-Eat food helps reduce malnutrition, especially among mothers and children who need supplementary nutrition or are suffering from anaemia and protein deficiency.

Consuming this food two to four times a day results in significant health improvements. He described it as a highly beneficial government scheme.

Lactating mother Nandini Yadav shared that her child had a very low weight at the time of birth. After that, she began receiving porridge and other nutritious items under the Ready-to-Eat scheme from the Anganwadi centre, which led to rapid weight gain in her child.

She expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai for launching the scheme.

Another lactating mother, Savita Dhruv, said her baby’s weight was extremely low after delivery. She learned about the Ready-to-Eat food available at Anganwadi centres from a relative. After receiving nutritious food regularly, her child’s development has improved significantly.

Anganwadi worker Damyanti Sahu said that 11 children are registered at her centre. The children are served sweet halwa and savoury porridge for breakfast.

Along with this, they are engaged in various activities. In the afternoon, as per the fixed menu, green vegetables, soybean nuggets, and mixed lentils are served.

She added that this system is leading to continuous improvement in the health and development of the children.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good scheme, but the real test is in consistent quality and supply. I've heard of Anganwadis in some states where supplies are irregular. The government must ensure there is no corruption in the supply chain. Crores are being spent, let every rupee reach the mothers.
A
Ananya R
As a new mother myself, I know how crucial nutrition is in the first 1000 days. Providing RTE food takes away the burden from families who can't afford expensive supplements. This is nation-building in the truest sense. Jai Hind!
D
David E
Working in public health, I've seen the impact of malnutrition firsthand. This targeted intervention through the existing Anganwadi network is smart policy. The focus on iron and protein is critical to combat anaemia. Hope other states replicate this model.
V
Vikram M
Bahut accha kaam hai. My wife benefited from a similar scheme in our district. It's not just about food; it's about the dignity of motherhood and ensuring every child gets a healthy start. The Anganwadi workers are the real heroes here. Salute to them!
S
Sarah B
The article mentions a fixed menu with halwa, vegetables, and lentils. That's excellent! It shows thought has gone into making the food palatable and culturally appropriate, which increases the chances of regular consumption. A small step with a massive impact.

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