Launch of Morning Nutrition – “Raagi Cereals Health Mix” to 19,000 Govt. school children in Giddalur constituency of Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh – 9th September 2022
‘National Nutrition Month’ is observed in the month of September every year to create awareness about good nutrition and health, and its importance in human lives. The latest National Family Health Survey shows high levels of malnutrition and anaemia amongst children below five years. Annapoorna Trust continues to address the nutrition needs at various rural hinterlands of India with a mission, ‘Let No Child Go to School Hungry Ever.’
With the initiative of Annapoorna Trust, 19,000 government school-going children in Giddalur constituency of Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh will receive ‘Raagi Cereals Health drink.’ Ragi is considered one of the most nutritious cereals and helps maintain good health. An excellent source of calcium, protein, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and rich source of vitamin C and E, high in B complex vitamins – thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and folic acid, it is extremely beneficial for growing children.
Easy to prepare and tasty to drink, this tasty mix is filled with nutrients and has received positive feedback from teachers, cooks and the children as well. 10 gms of this health mix along with 5 gms of jaggery is mixed in boiling water to make a 150ml/200ml health drink.
The inauguration event took place in Timmapuram ZPHS school, Giddalur mandal in the presence of several government officials and school staff:
Sri Anna Rambabu – MLA, Giddalur Constituency
Rama Kotiah – Timmapuram village head
Mrs. K Lakshmi Devi – Mandal Praja Parishad Chairman
Mr. Srinivasalu – Giddaluru Municipal Chairman
Mrs. Chandrakala – Giddaluru Municipal Vice Chairman
Mr. Venkata Subbaiah – MPTC
Mr. Kota Narasimhalu – Senior Citizen of Timmapuram Grama panchayat
Mr. C Ramachandra Reddy – Headmaster of Timmapuram school
All the 6 Mandal Education Officers of Giddalur Constituency.
From Annapoorna Trust:
Mr. Prabhakar Gupta – Trustee,
Mr. Anand Kadali – Secretary & Trustee
Mr. Surendra K – Annapoorna Coordinator Andhra Pradesh
Below table depicts presence of Morning Nutrition in Andhra Pradesh post COVID:
Menu | Location | No of children | Schools |
Raagi Cereals Health Mix | Markapuram | 31000 | 289 |
Raagi Cereals Health Mix | Yerragondapalem | 28000 | 256 |
Raagi Cereals Health Mix | Adanki | 4100 | 32 |
Raagi Cereals Health Mix | Giddalur | 19000 | 175 |
Raagi Cereals Health Mix | Ongole | 5000 | 30 |
Raagi Cereals Health Mix | Nellore | 25499 | 379 |
Freshly Cooked Breakfast | Tirupathi | 13000 | 150 |
Kellogg’s + SaiSure Health Mix | Satyavedu | 2600 | 32 |
Total | 128199 | 1343 |
Details of locations where Raagi Cereals Health Mix is being served:
Location | No of children | Schools |
Marka puram | 31000 | 289 |
Yerragon dapalem | 28000 | 256 |
Adanki | 4100 | 32 |
Giddalur | 19000 | 175 |
Ongole | 5000 | 30 |
Nellore | 25499 | 379 |
Details of Tirupathi where Freshly Cooked Breakfast is being served:
Location | No of children | Schools |
Tirupathi | 13000 | 150 |
Details of Satyavedu where Kellogg’s + SaiSure Health Mix is being served:
Location | No of children | Schools |
Satyavedu | 2600 | 32 |
Mr. Bala Eshwariah, Retired Headmaster and currently Annapoorna volunteer, was instrumental in planning and distributing materials required across all 6 Mandals in Giddalur constituency.
In the event, Sri Anna Rambabu, MLA-Giddalur spoke to the gathering about how Sri Sathya Sai Baba had initiated several service activities and is continuing till date. He assured complete support and assistance from the government to the Trust for having come forward to provide Raagi Jawa to the entire constituency.
Mr. Anand Kadali, Secretary and Trustee of Annapoorna Trust, next spoke about 28 schools in Giddalur constituency receiving solid breakfast prior to COVID pandemic and now currently, children in 175 schools will be receiving Raagi Jawa (Raagi malt). He said these schools were identified with the help of education department and all the MEOs came forward to support the initiative. Raagi Jawa would be provided on alternate days.
Mr. Prabhakar Gupta, Trustee of Annapoorna Trust, spoke about the morning nutrition in the form of Raagi Jawa being useful for the children to sustain till lunch by keeping hunger at bay. The children usually have lunch at 12:30pm provided by the government. He was very optimistic of the fact that a greater number of children can certainly be reached with this initiative.
Mr. Rama Kotaiah, Timmapuram Village Head, stressed on using the opportunity to consume Raagi, a food rich in nutrients and which gives immunity. He also reminisced the olden days when everybody used to consume Raagi on a daily basis and made them strong in terms of health and immunity.
