Morning Nutrition Launch in Addanki Mandal, Andhra Pradesh – 9th Nov 2022
Morning Nutrition was launched in Addanki Mandal at Addanki Boys High School in Bapatla district on 9th November 2022. ‘Ragi Cereals Health Drink’ would be provided on alternate days to 5106 children across 42 schools in the Mandal.
The simple and humble finger millet is a superfood that offers a bounty of nutritional benefits encompassing all the essential macronutrients – carbohydrates, fibres, fats and proteins, along with noteworthy level of key micronutrients – vitamins and minerals. Being a good source of natural calcium, Ragi strengthens bones in growing children. Easy to prepare and tasty to drink, this health mix has received positive feedback from teachers, cooks and the children. It is considered one of the best foods for growing children.
The launch event was held in the presence of several dignitaries from the government and staff of school. Sri Krishna Chaitanya – YSR Party Head, Addanki, Sri Sarveshwara Rao – Headmaster MPPS Thimmayapalem and Annapoorna Trust volunteer, Sri Bangaru Babu – School Committee Chairman, Sri Surendra Babu Kandalam – Regional Manager of Annapoorna Trust, Andhra Pradesh and other officials like the Mandal Praja Parishad Chairman, Mandal Education Officers, Municipal Vice Chairman, Committee members and parents were present in the event.
During his address, the School Committee Chairman Sri Bangaru Babu said, “Ragi used to be a very common product consumed in every household. Nowadays it is consumed only by a select few and is often called rich man’s food. Annapoorna Trust bringing back this nutritious food to school children and creating awareness among the masses is a big step in improving the nutrient quotient of the children.” Thereafter, Sri Krishna Chaitanya, YSR Party Head of Addanki assured that he would get permissions issued at the earliest upon consultation with District Commissioner for providing this Ragi drink for all the 5 mandals in Bapatla district. Ragi, being rich in minerals, proteins and other nutrients, he went to address the teachers and head masters to take active role in efficient execution of this program.
Sri Sarveshwara Rao, Headmaster of Gondayapalem said, “Annapoorna Trust’s initiative in providing morning nutrition is a blessing for children to grow well and become better citizens of the country. Even during COVID pandemic, the Trust took an active role in providing dry ration kits to mid-day meal cooks and daily wage labourers which is very commendable.” He continued about how the Trust along with ITC Ashirwad, came forward to provide ‘Gulab Jamun’ for government school children during Diwali, which was a welcome gesture received very well by the children, teachers and cooks.
Good nutrition is the bedrock of child survival and development. Setting a child on a holistic path with good daily nutrition, and the ability to attend and succeed in school is a collective social responsibility, and one, which will go a long way in nation building. It is the dream of Annapoorna Breakfast Programme to build a nation, where no child goes to school hungry, EVER!
