Launch of Morning Nutrition in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 2nd February 2024
Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust launched morning nutrition program in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh state on 2nd February 2024. SaiSure Malt Multi Nutrient Health mix with milk will be provided to 1,050 children in 5 government schools as a pilot for 3 months.
The launch event was held at Mandir Hasaud Boys Middle School where the headmasters of all the schools and DEO, DMC, BEO, BRC from the education department were present. Mr. Santosh Allath (National Manager – Govt. Alliances) and Mr. Chandan Kumar (Regional Manager – Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh) from Annapoorna Trust were present. Dr. C. Srinivas – Chairman of Sri Sathya Sai Health and Education Trust, was the special guest for the program.
India has about 260 million school-going children. Of these, nearly 160 million go to the government and government-aided schools. If nutrition intervention can be conducted at the school level itself, it can help improve the health of children, thereby combatting the issue of ‘hidden hunger.’ SaiSure Malt health mix is a scientifically designed Health mix providing vital nutrients and micronutrients acting as a wholesome meal in itself. It contains the required proteins, vitamins, minerals, and meets 50% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of most of the micronutrients.
The marked improvements post consumption of SaiSure in children besides improved health parameters, is multi-fold like reduction in drop-out rate of children and increase in punctuality and attendance, thereby resulting in better academic performance. The teachers are also motivated to teach the rural children with filled stomachs. It is distributed in two flavours – Vanilla and Chocolate, and is very much relished by the children. Today, Annapoorna is reaching out to 90 lakh children across 25 states and 4 union territories.
At the event, the DEO Mr. Himanshu Bharatiya said that Sri Sathya Sai Baba has given a gift to Raipur in the form of Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital in the field of health and added that the nutrition program through Annapoorna Trust will further strengthen the district. He assured his support to this noble endeavour. Dr. C. Srinivas spoke about the benefits of SaiSure and its nutritional value and encouraged the children and the school to embrace the nutrition program and partake in it happily. Mr. Santosh Allath highlighted the need for this program for every child in the entire state and explained the significance of nation-building through nutrition. He also emphasized Annapoorna Trust joining hands with state government adds value to the existing schemes adopted by the Government on the lines of National Nutrition Mission.
Working towards the dream of a developed nation of equitable and happy societies, Annapoorna Trust will stop not until no child goes to school hungry, ever!