CreditAccess Grameen joins hands with Annapoorna Trust for a noble cause, 18th Sep 2024
CreditAccess Grameen Limited (CA Grameen) is an Indian microfinance institution, headquartered in Bengaluru, which serves customers predominantly in rural areas. The company is engaged in providing microfinance services to women from low-income households who are enrolled as members and organized in Joint Liability Groups.
Signing of the MOU
A new chapter begins as the Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust (also referred to as Annapoorna Trust), in collaboration with Credit Access Grameen Foundation and with the support of the Karnataka government, is launching a program to provide the micronutrient-rich health mix, SaiSure, to children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM).
The Government of Karnataka has been incredibly supportive of the mission, and the Trust would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Shalini Rajneesh, the Chief Secretary of Karnataka for her steadfast support for the benefit of needy children.
Under the current regime, an MOU has been signed with the Government of Karnataka, allowing the Trust to provide the Morning Nutrition Program to 5.5 million school-age children from grades 1 to 10 across the state.
In addition to our ongoing support for school-going children, the Trust is now taking a more targeted approach by prioritizing the needs of SAM & MAM children who require high-energy, nutrient-dense food, specifically addressing malnutrition.
The critical intervention starts with children aged 3 to 6 years in the Anganwadi sections. These early interventions will help ensure proper growth and prevent conditions like anaemia, wasting, and stunting.
Marking the commencement of this important initiative, a formal MOU was signed on 18th September 2024 with Credit Access Grameen Foundation, represented by COO Satish Rao, Program Coordinator Ms. Vinoda, and several other dignitaries from the foundation. From the Government Director Mr. Siddheshwar and Deputy Director Usha were present from the Women and Child Department. The Annapoorna Trust was represented by Trustees Mr. Anand K. Kadali, Mr. Sai Prasad Ivaturi, and Mr. Tallam Jayaprakash at the ICDS office in the Women and Child Department in Bangalore.
The Minister of Women and Child Development Lakshmi R. Hebbalkar congratulated the directors on their efforts to combat malnutrition in SAM and MAM children, conveying her best wishes to all three stakeholders involved in this tripartite agreement. This collaboration embodies the 3S model of Sarkārā, Samājā and Sansthān.
SaiSure serves as a vital intervention for SAM children, providing essential micro & macro nutrients that addresses hidden hunger and supports their mental and physical growth. Through this intervention, the government stands to save a substantial amount on healthcare costs for these children.
The initial focus will be on five districts in Karnataka, with the goal of supporting 4,000 children. Annapoorna Trust along with CSR & Institutional partners looks forward to extending these efforts to other districts across the state. It is laudable to note that, this initiative has started in aspirational district of Yadgir along with Chamarajanagar, Bagalkot, Haveri & Dharwad in Karnataka state where the need is predominant.
This is a significant step towards reducing malnutrition and improving the health and development of children in Karnataka. The Trust is thrilled to be making a positive impact in the lives of these young ones and looks forward to the journey ahead with the Foundation.
