Dantewada: Under its flagship Nourish the Future initiative, Rise Against
Hunger India organised a large-scale community engagement programme in
Katekalyan block of Dantewada district, Chhattisgarh, bringing together over
350 pregnant women, lactating mothers, Poshan Mitras, adolescents, and
community volunteers.
The initiative adopts a
community-led approach, where Community Resource Persons and local volunteers
drive planning, outreach, and service delivery. The initiative focused on
extending essential maternal and child health support to under-served populations
who fall outside the coverage of existing Community Kitchen Centers (CKCs). Despite
being newly introduced, the model received strong participation and acceptance
from local communities
A key focus of the programme has
been last-mile service delivery through convergence with government
departments, including health and ICDS. This collaboration has enhanced access
to ANC and PNC services, growth monitoring, and institutional delivery support,
ensuring that vulnerable populations are better connected to essential public
health systems.
The programme has resulted in
notable improvements across key indicators in Dantewada and Bastar, where
baseline levels were initially low. Maternal nutritional status (BMI,
weight-for-age, and haemoglobin levels) improved from 58.19% to 60.34%. Over
85% of women and 91% of children participating in growth monitoring reported
weight gain. The initiative also contributed to increased completion of recommended
ANC visits, strengthened referral and follow-up systems, and improved early
identification of high-risk cases. Additionally, the program facilitated 78
institutional deliveries.
As part of the programme, baby
care kits and mother care kits were distributed to support maternal and child
wellbeing. Mass level awareness programs organised through street plays in
local context. A convergence meeting was also organised with participation from
key government stakeholders, recognising the contributions of frontline
workers, Community Resource Persons, and volunteers in strengthening the
initiative.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Dola
Mohapatra, CEO, Rise Against Hunger India, emphasised the importance of
collective action: “Sustainable improvements in maternal and child nutrition
are only possible when communities lead the change and systems respond
effectively. Our approach integrates nutrition support with health services,
behaviour change, and community engagement to ensure long-term impact.”
The event concluded with a joint
commitment from community members, frontline workers, and government
representatives to further strengthen coordination and sustain the progress
achieved.
Nourish the Future is a signature
programme of Rise Against Hunger India, focused on improving maternal and child
health and nutrition during the first 1,000 days. Implemented across under-served
regions in Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, the programme continues
to bridge critical gaps in nutrition, healthcare access, and community
awareness through an integrated, outcome-driven approach.
The initiative
forms part of the organisation’s broader Hunger-Free Village
model, which seeks to ensure sustainable food security and aligns with its goal
of empowering communities to end hunger by 2030.
