Women in a remote part of Chhattisgarh’s Surguja district have launched a community-led nutrition drive for more than 1,000 tribal children from 14 villages.
The initiative tackles malnutrition while creating sustainable livelihoods for local mothers.
Unlike conventional school meals that depend on outside suppliers, this programme sources vegetables and milk locally.
Mothers grow fresh, pesticide-free vegetables on their farms and deliver them to the school kitchen. Local women’s dairy collectives supply fresh fortified milk daily.
The initiative began after teachers noticed that several children struggled to stand during the morning assembly due to weakness and fatigue.
School authorities and local women then designed a plan focused on balanced nutrition and overall development.
The menu includes seasonal green vegetables, pulses, sprouts, fortified milk and fresh fruits.
Children follow a structured exercise routine six days a week to improve stamina.
Local mothers prepare the meals. Their involvement brings hygiene, safety and a personal touch to the school kitchen.
Amita Singh, president of the women’s self-help group and grandmother of a student, said the initiative has improved children’s health while giving women a steady income.
Earnings from cooking and selling vegetables help families meet education expenses.
The school coordinator and principal said geographical isolation had made nutrition delivery difficult. They stressed that healthy bodies remain essential for effective learning.
The programme has improved attendance, weight, stamina and confidence. More than 1,000 students, teachers and staff members eat together, helping reduce social discrimination.
Surguja’s model demonstrates how women’s participation, local resources and community ownership can create a practical response to malnutrition.
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