Nutrition

In SPNIWCD, nutrition serves as a unifying theme that aligns with the objectives of all four verticals of the Institute namely; Early Childhood Development Care & Education, Child protection, Adolescent Mental Health, and Women Empowerment & Safety. Ensuring adequate nutrition have a coupler effect that promotes broad gauged efforts to improve health, development and wellbeing in these areas.

Early Childhood Development Care & Education:

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in creating inclusive Early Childhood Development Care & Education environment. It acts as stimulus for physical progress, cognitive development, and overall systemic growth of children to reach to their full potential in holistic and conclusive manner. The ECDCE vertical of SPNIWCD provides research, training and documentation support to the country with support from Ministry of women and Child Development’s programme like Saksham Angawndi and POSHAN; Thematic programmes like Poshan bhi Padhai bhi (PBPB); which focusses on nutrition education, collaborative engagement of professionals and community outreach and support programmes. The ECDCE vertical pays impetus on innovative approaches, new initiatives and cross cutting technology in the field of nutrition that can strengthen the formative years of children of our country. Besides this the health and nutrition provided to frontline workers, functionaries, officers of ICDS strengthen the knowledge partnership and bridge the gap.

The support is also extended to primary care givers, women, crèche workers and teachers through workshops and resources materials wherein healthy eating habits, meal planning, and best practices are integrated and shared towards a common aim of suposhit Bharat.

Child Protection:

SPNIWCD is building synergies between child nutrition and social protection. SPNIWCD being the nodal agency for Child care protection has always advocated the rights of the child in which one of the fundamental right is Right to Food and ensuring Food security. SPNIWCD under the ages of MWCD is not only training the ICDS workforce but also motioning the programmes that advocates the social, emotional, physical and financial security of women and children. For example programmes like Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana which not only ensures Direct Cash Benefit Transfers (DBT) it also ensures, survival of both mother and child. Mission Vatsalaya, and while drafting Child protection acts SPNIWCD has focussed on the nutritional needs of Children of child care institutes (CCIs) shows the commitment towards the children of this country.

The technical experts of SPNIWCD in the Child protection vertical have designed programmatic guidance to assist practitioners to support governments in intentionally developing synergies between child nutrition and social protection within their policies, systems, and programmes.

This vertical focuses on screening and support programs within child protection services by research, training and documentation for caregivers, frontline workers, and community volunteers on the importance of nutrition in child protection. Provide education and resources on how to identify signs of malnutrition, support healthy growth and development, and address nutritional needs effectively. Advocate for policies that prioritize children's nutritional rights and ensure access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations. This may include promoting breastfeeding-friendly environments, improving food security, and addressing underlying factors contributing to malnutrition, such as poverty and food insecurity.

Adolescent Mental Health:

The Adolescent and mental health vertical of SPNIWCD provide child guidance and counselling to children. It is an established fact that many cognitive delays, congenital disorders and mental health issues have associations with nutrition. Many neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person's ability to learn, reason, and perform daily tasks have direct correlation with the excesses or deficit of nutrition. Disorders like ADHD, Autism, Neural Tube Defects, Anorexia Nervosa, Belumia, impacts of teratogens during conception have primary or secondary relation with nutrition. The AMH vertical specially train the ADCGC diploma students, caregivers, Teachers and other care providers on nutrition and mental health topics. The vertical also conducts research studies and reference material and also runs a clinic.

The AMH vertical Integrate counselling, mental health services and importance of nutrition or diet counselling programs for young children and adolescents through school programs, nutrition-focused group activities, workshops, or informational materials.

Women Empowerment and Safety:

Nutrition is intricately linked to women's empowerment and safety. It is essential for women's health and empowerment, enabling them to participate fully in society and make informed decisions about their well-being. It helps prevent nutritional deficiencies, supports reproductive health, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases, enhancing their ability to lead fulfilling lives. Additionally, good nutrition positively impacts cognitive function and academic performance, enabling women to access education and pursue economic opportunities. Well-nourished women are better equipped to participate in the workforce and contribute to economic growth. Adequate nutrition before and during pregnancy reduces the risk of maternal and child mortality, ensuring safer pregnancies and childbirth experiences. It also supports the healthy development of the foetus, laying the foundation for future generations, hence checking the cycle of intergenerational poverty. The Women Empowerment and Safety vertical of SPNIWCD propagates Mission Shakti programme of MWCD that raise awareness about the importance of nutrition for women's empowerment and safety through community workshops, educational campaigns, and outreach programmes. Provide nutrition education tailored to women's needs, focusing on budget-friendly, culturally appropriate, and sustainable dietary practices. Integrate nutrition components into women's empowerment programs, including skills development, entrepreneurship training, and leadership initiatives. More importantly, advocate for policies that support women's access to nutritious food.