CNP – Vathsalya Charitable Trust

“Those who have less to eat, must eat right.”

Vathsalya Child Nutrition Program (CNP)

Though existed since Vathsalya’s beginning in 1988, CNP became an independent vertical in 2019 after seeing the growing need of a program that will focus on a child’s physical health right from conception till 8 years of age. Children enrolled in CDC vertical were already receiving the healthcare and nutrition support, by bringing CNP as a separate vertical, the expectant mothers, infants, school going children, and communities are able to get focused health and nutrition care through the professionals.

Based on the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), around 35% of children under five years old are stunted, indicating a substantial rate of malnutrition. Proper nutrition during early childhood is vital for physical and cognitive development. United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) — Zero Hunger, seeks to eradicate hunger and improve global nutrition by 2030. In line with the vision of SDG 2, our organization is dedicated to providing balanced, nutritious meals to underserved communities, driving better health outcomes.

Regular health checkups, including hemoglobin level monitoring, are conducted to identify and address nutritional deficiencies. House visits help assess whether families are receiving the proper nutrients, and the “1000 Days Program” is dedicated to providing essential nutrition and care for new mothers.

Our regular activities include:
• 1,000 days’ nutrition program for pregnant mothers to care for children from conception to 2 years of age.
• Daily porridge and egg supplied for 2-8 years old children.
• Monthly Growth and Haemoglobin screening.
• Providing supplements for Iron and Vitamin C.
• Regular community awareness programs.

That’s not all!
In our commitment to improving the well-being of communities, we have supported families who have lost loved ones or the sole breadwinner in accidents, covered medical bills during times of illness, and even helped rebuild a home after a fire accident. Perhaps most importantly, our efforts have made a significant impact in preventing children from dropping out of school, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue a better future.

How is it all done?

Step 1 – A community is identified or referred
Step 2 – Need assessment through personal visit
Step 3 – Verify and confirm the needs and activities
Step 4 – Identify Peer Nutrition Educators (PNEs) and Child Health Educators (CHEs)
Step 5 – Train the PNEs and CHEs
Step 6 – Implement the program

Program Growth:

2019 – Focused on the mothers of the children under CDC (Introduced 1,000 days program)
2021 – Adopted two communities to introduce Child Nutrition Program – Pillanna Garden and Doddakannenahalli
2022 – Added Gubbi and GFCT communities
2023 – Added Kariyammana Agrahara community
2024 – Added Nagannapalya and Kushal Nagar

Impact

The CNP team has impacted many families in the communities that they serve. Regular health check-ups and timely intervention has helped identify and treat ailments that often go undiagnosed. The team has helped families through difficult times like flooding, displacement, and unemployment by offering a source of nutrition. The awareness programs that are being conducted regularly have educated the community, prevented seasonal diseases, improved hygiene practices, and improved their overall health. A total of 3,895 adults have been served during this time.

The team’s effort to provide nutritional supplementation to the children has been bearing fruit in recent months where they are showing an improvement in their Hb levels.

Women are being provided with opportunities to receive training and earn a livelihood in various skills. This also helps them work towards building up their families and eventually, the future of their communities.

Testimonials

We are grateful to hear stories of hope and transformation from those we’ve had the privilege to support on their journey.

I am a grandmother working as plastic picker. My grandson's mother & father passed away. I was struggling daily to provide food & medical care for him. My grandson had poor health since birth due to an umbilical infection with pus & blood leakage. Thanks to Vathsalya Charitable Trust for helping for my grandson's operation financially. Always I am grateful for
Vathsalya Charitable Trust.
Thank You

Grandmother Plastic picker

My daughter was born with hearing impairment. She requires hospital visits for treatment, but we encountered difficulties due to financial limitations.
Vathsalya Charitable Trust financially helped my child to Cochlear Implant Surgery on 26th June 2024.
Now she is able to hear and speak, she is also getting training in speech and hearing.

Thank you Vathsalya Charitable Trust

Mercy Struggling mother

I appreciate Vathsalya Charitable Trust who are doing their best in Child Nutrition Program which includes:
• Regular Growth monitoring of Children, Vitamin Supplements,
• Regular Deworming of Children,
• Providing High Protein Diet to children in the community,
• Regular and Routine Anaemic check in the community.
We wish them all the best.

Dr. M. S. Dinakar Senior Specialist in Child Health

Team that makes it all possible

asharani

Extention Officer

She is a committed social worker with more than six years of experience in community-based interventions and social development. At Vathsalya, she serves as the extension officer, recognized for her expertise in identifying and resolving bottlenecks, ensuring effective program implementation.

HEMAMBIKA R

CNP Project Officer

Seasoned nurse with 22+ years at Vathsalya. Leads nutrition initiatives, combats malnutrition, and mentors caregivers, driven by empathy and excellence.

Mercy L

Field Coordinator

Mercy actively engages with seven communities, supporting mothers and children through visits, awareness programs, and porridge distribution. She manages data, prepares reports, and organizes key events while overseeing growth screening of children and the 1000 Days Program.