Maarpu Trust to provide nutrition to 100 malnourished children

By Our Special Correspondent

Maarpu Trust in collaboration with NTR District Women Development and Child Welfare Department has taken up a project to provide protein-rich powder to 100 malnourished children in urban ICDS projects in Vijayawada until they become normal children of prescribed weight and height. Regulations set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

This nutritive recipe is in addition to the supplementary food given by ICDS but this is rich in protein to improve the nutritional status.

Ten grams per day for a beneficiary aged between six months to three years and 15 grams per day for a three to six year old beneficiary. Each Aganwadi center is given monthly required stock in containers with measuring scoops. The shelf life of the powder is one month.

St. Theresa's College entered into an MOU with the Change Trust in the presence of Principal Secretary Anuradha for a research study and evaluation of the results of the nutrition project.

Marpa Trust Director R Suyez, Eluru St. Teresa's College Principal Sister Mercy, Project Director WCW Uma, Nutrition Department Head Padmaja and others were present.

The powder is prepared in the laboratory of St. Teresa's College, Eluru under the technical and professional guidance of the Home Science and Nutrition Department of the college.

The entire project cost will be borne by the Change Trust. These 100 malnourished children will be given a health check-up initially and periodically to analyze and document the results of the project regarding growth improvement.

The Principal Secretary discussed the nutritional value of Anuradha Protein Rich Powder and expressed readiness to systematically document the growth outcomes of malnourished children to reach the logical outcomes of the project.

She also called for implementation of protein rich recipe in all districts based on positive results of improvement in growth of malnourished children.

Anuradha directed the officials to focus on feeding nutritious food to children in Anganwadi centers and achieve better results.