Mission Nutrition

Mission Nutrition 1

Mission Nutrition is the flagship programme of Nidhi Foundation, who is committed to work on the nutrition, health and education of the children from underprivileged background.

Nidhi Foundation organizes regular health checkups; gives out deworming tablets and required multivitamins and also a glass of milk every day to the children at it centers in Kalyan Puri and Villupuram, which parallely helps in bridging the literacy capacity gaps in these children due to stunted growth and impact of the same on the mental growth of the child.

In addition to providing nutrition, Nidhi Foundation is also working on the education of the children who have either; never gone to school or has dropped out because they couldn’t concentrate on or understand the concepts and subjects taught in school because of various nutritional deficiencies. Nidhi Foundation runs the informal schools at its centers from 9 a.m to 4 p.m, in two batches. Here children are taught to read and write and also the basics of English, Hindi, science and, mathematics. Though the school does not follow any fixed syllabus, it achieves the purpose of a school; imparting education and building the confidence level in the children. Each academic year the school mainstreams a selected few children to regular schools and continue to support them through remedial classes, to reduce not just dropout rate but also to ensure retention of children in the schools.

WHY?

The early years of a child is a time of rapid and dramatic postnatal brain development, i.e., neural plasticity, and of fundamental acquisition of cognitive development i.e., working memory, attention and inhibitory control. Also, it is a time of transition from a direct maternal mediation/selection of diet-based nutrition to food selection that is more based on self-selection and self-gratification. The effect of nutrient deficiency or supplementation on the developing brain is a function of the brain’s requirement for a nutrient in specific metabolic pathways and structural components.

 Impact of Under Nourishment on Health and Development

Under nutrition is defined by an insufficient provision of energy and nutrients, such as good quality protein with an adequate balance of essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals, and an inability to meet the requirements of the body to ensure growth, maintenance, and specific functions Undernourished children experience developmental delays, weight-loss and illness as a result of inadequate intake of protein, calories and other nutrients.

Deficiencies and Resulting Diseases and its impact in children

Iron, magnesium and zinc – anorexia – reduced intake of other important nutrients such as protein.
Low lipid intake – low absorption of important fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin D.
Zinc and protein – retard bone growth and development- Puts the child at risk for long-term complications.

Long-Term Implications

The short-term implications of Under Nutrition eventually give way to long-term complications, such as growth and cognitive delays.

Growth Implications

Under Nutrition not only impacts growth in the short term, but can also limit total bone growth. Additionally, stunted growth in children is visible. Stunted growth is classified as low height-for-age (stunted). This is an irreversible damage if the child continues to live in a nutritionally deprived situation.

Cognitive Implications

Under Nutrition in children has major negative effects on brain development. This causes delays in motor and cognitive development, such as:

  • Attention deficit disorder
  • Impaired school performance
  • Decreased IQ scores
  • Memory deficiency
  • Learning disabilities
  • Reduced social skills
  • Reduced language development
  • Reduced problem-solving abilities

Short-Term Implications

Since, major development occurs in the first few years of life, nutrient deficiencies can have major short-term implications in young children.

Growth Implications

Nutrient deficiencies and gastrointestinal infections commonly in children in urban slums and rural areas. A child may contract an infection due in part to poor nutritional status. In turn, a gastrointestinal infection places the child at even greater risk for nutrient deficiencies because nutrients are unable to be absorbed properly. Consequently, nutrient deficiency combined with infection can cause growth retardation.

Immune Implications

Malnourishment can greatly compromise a child’s immune system, making him/her more susceptible to infectious diseases. Particularly in urban slums where there are poor sanitary practices, children are vulnerable to infections. In particular, zinc, iron and vitamin A are commonly associated with weakened immune function.

HOW?

MISSION NUTRITION CHAPTERS

  • Mission Nutrition New Delhi Chapter
    Mission Nutrition New Delhi Chapter
    State – New Delhi Geographical area of Intervention:- Urban Slum (Kalyanpuri) Population Type:- Migrant Outreach:- 100 children Age Group:- 3-14 years Areas of Intervention:- Education, Malnutrition, Literacy Capacity   Partner Organisation- Executing On Our Own
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  • Mission Nutrition Tamil Nadu Chapter
    Mission Nutrition Tamil Nadu Chapter
    State – Tamil Nadu Geographical area of Intervention:- Kalvarayan Hills, Vellupuram Population Type:- Indigenous Population (tribals) Outreach:- 100 children Age Group:- 3-14 years Areas of Intervention:- Education, Malnutrition, Literacy Capacity   Partner Organisation- Community Seva Center Address:- No 25, Seva illam, Pooranankuppam & p.o., Pondicherry Pin Code:- 605007  
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  • Mission Nutrition Rajasthan Chapter
    Mission Nutrition Rajasthan Chapter
    State – Rajasthan Geographical area of Intervention:- Jaipur Population Type:- Rural Outreach:- 100 children Age Group:- 3-14 years Areas of Intervention:- Education, Malnutrition, Literacy Capacity   Partner Organisation- All India Gram Vikas Mahasabha Address:- Gordhampura, Neemrana, ALWAR, Rajasthan Pin Code:- 301001
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  • Mission Nutrition Telangana Chapter
    Mission Nutrition Telangana Chapter
    STATE – TELANGANA Geographical area of Intervention:- SARJAKHANPET VILLAGE OF KOSGI MANDAL, MAHABUB NAGAR DISTRICT Population Type:- Indigenous Population Outreach:- 50 children Age Group:- 3-14 years Areas of Intervention:- Education, Malnutrition, Literacy Capacity   Partner Organisation- Centre for Research and Development Concerns (CREDOC) Address:- ARJAKHANPET VILLAGE OF KOSGI MANDAL, MAHABUB NAGAR DISTRICT, TELANGANA STATE
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