Nand Ghar celebrates ‘Poshan Maah’ to distribute ‘Millet Protein Shakes’ to children across Vedanta’s operational states

Bhubaneswar,swa news :In a significant step towards promotingholistic nutritionfor children, Project Nand Ghar, through the Anil Agarwal Foundation, has launcheda program to distribute millet protein shakesacross Nand Ghars in the states where Vedanta has business units.Over the month of September, 50,000+ millet shakes will be distributed to approximately 6000 children, spanning multiple districtsof Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.

This initiative aims to reinstate the importance of millets in the daily diet of children and the community at large. Through such supplements and nutrition centric programs, Nand Ghar is supporting the government in taking further the vision of a healthy and nourished India.

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd. and Non-Executive Director, Vedanta remarked, “Following the success of the multi-millet nutri bar that we launched last year to combat malnourishment amongst children, we are delighted to celebrate Poshan Maah with the introduction of a nutritious millet shake at our Nand Ghars. Delivering child nutrition has taken centrestage at Nand Ghar, especially with our ‘Khaana Khaaya Kya’ movement, which aims to create a world where every child is healthy and well-nourished. The new millet shake is another step in this direction. It reiterates our dedication to the dream that no child should go to bed hungry”

The protein-dense millet shake, known for its nutritional value, has been manufactured by a startup Millet Bowl.Introduced for the first time in India, this patented and FSSAI certified productis rich in 23 essential vitamins and minerals, low in caloriewith plant-based protein. It comprises Ragi, Bajra, Foxtail, and Kodu and prepared as a dairy-free, easy-to-consume liquid shake. It also contains purified water, jaggery, multi-millet flour, plant protein isolates, cocoa powder, coconut milk powder, vitamins, minerals premix, and vegan stabilizers. With a shelf life of 6 months, the product is designed to ensure long-lasting nutritional support. The Nand Ghar children will be enjoying the shakes in chocolate flavor.

Commenting on the launch of the program, Shashi Arora, CEO, Nand Ghar said,“At Nand Ghar, we strive to nurture the future of India by addressing the critical issue of childhood malnutrition. By commencing the distribution of millet shakes to children across our centres during Poshan Maah, we are providing them with a nutrient-rich, traditional superfood. The initiative is an outcome of the #KhaanaKhaayaKya movement launched earlier this year, which has achieved massive success and is aimed at enhancing child nutrition. By leveraging the contributions received and utilizing a dual-channel approach, we aim to maximize reach and foster collaborative efforts for sustainable child nutrition improvement.”

This program is being governed in conjunction with Business Units of Vedanta such as, ESL Steel Ltd, BALCO and Vedanta Aluminium who will be distributing millet shakes in the districts of their operational states- Lanjigarh and Jharsuguda in Odisha; Korba in Chhattisgarh and Bokaro in Jharkhand.

Heading the distribution of Vedanta Aluminium, Sunil Gupta, COO – Vedanta Aluminium, said, “We are immensely proud to be part of this transformative initiative by Nand Ghar. Ensuring the well-being and nutrition of children is a cause close to our hearts, and the distribution of millet shakes is a testament to our commitment to fostering a healthier future for the young generation.”

This intervention highlights the Foundation’s unwavering dedication towardscommunity welfare and child nutrition, ensuring that children attending Nand Ghar receive the nourishment they deserve. Besides nutritional supplements such as the millet shake, Nand Ghar facilitates nutritious meals, and take-home rations for children and pregnant and lactating women to ensure their holistic growth and development.