In a bid to address malnutrition and improve the health of vulnerable communities, Akshaya Patra Foundation and Vitamin Angels India have announced a strategic partnership.
In a press statement on Thursday, the company informed that this collaboration aims to enhance the nutritional and health status of pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls, and children under five by providing critical interventions to combat food insecurity and hidden hunger in targeted regions of the country.
The initiative was unveiled at a recent business roundtable in Mumbai. It focuses on providing comprehensive support, including nutrient-rich meals, Vitamin A supplementation, deworming treatments for children under five, and iron-folic acid (IFA) and calcium intake for pregnant women. The program will also deliver health and nutrition counselling on hygiene, safe drinking water, and breastfeeding practices, empowering communities with essential knowledge and resources.
Sunish Jauhari, President of Vitamin Angels India, expressed the importance of the partnership, saying, "Our collaboration with Akshaya Patra strengthens our joint commitment to addressing both visible and hidden hunger. By combining our resources, we are ensuring access to vital micronutrients for children, pregnant women, and mothers, helping to prevent micronutrient deficiencies, also known as hidden hunger. Together, we aim to complement government initiatives and ensure that no vulnerable population is left behind in the fight against malnutrition."
Shridhar Venkat, CEO of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, highlighted the significance of expanding the organisation's mission beyond just feeding children. "This partnership marks a crucial step towards delivering not just meals, but nutrition that supports overall health and development. With Vitamin Angels' expertise in combating micronutrient deficiencies, we are widening our impact to ensure children and their families receive the nutrition needed for healthier, more productive lives."
Akshaya Patra’s centralised kitchens, known for their high food safety standards, will prepare and distribute nutritious meals, while Vitamin Angels will provide evidence-based nutrition interventions during the critical first 2,000 days of a child’s life. The collaboration also focuses on capacity-building efforts for Anganwadi workers to implement these health programs effectively, expanding the initiative's reach.
The partnership emphasises the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and the timely introduction of complementary foods for infants. It also encourages pregnant women to increase their intake of iron-folic acid (IFA) and calcium, while promoting health awareness among adolescent girls on hygiene and safe drinking water practices. Vitamin A supplementation, deworming, and anaemia counselling will be integral to the program, aiming to reduce anaemia rates and improve overall nutrition education among women and children.
