One of the essential forms of nurture is the nourishment that a mother provides to her newborn. Prenatal and postnatal care is vital for both, the mother and the child. The intake of proper nutrition is a significant contributor to good health for pregnant women, nursing others, and their infants. On the other hand, malnutrition in a mother has a direct impact on the infant- it can be intergenerational.

Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) established under the umbrella of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) are central to tackling the issue of intergenerational malnutrition. One of the primary goals of setting up AWCs is to improve the nutritional intake and therefore, the health of children from birth to age six, and pregnant women and nursing mothers. Such an intervention that improves access to nutrition and healthcare for its intended beneficiaries is vital.

Akshaya Patra understands the importance of addressing this issue and has taken it upon ourselves to serve hygienically prepared nutritious food to around 150,000+ children between the age group 3 to 6 and about 10,000 nursing mothers. We believe it is our social responsibility to support and help mothers and young children who are in dire need of nutrition. The Foundation ensures that the child gets proper nutrition right from the mother’s womb, which is crucial for the child’s physical and mental development.

Insufficient food intake can slow down a child’s physical and mental development, and the consequences are often lifelong. Undernutrition leads to infections such as diarrhea, respiratory infections, malaria, TB, etc. Recognizing the gravity of this issue, The Akshaya Patra Foundation serves nutritious meals to children and pregnant and lactating mothers through this initiative.