Anil Agarwal Foundation signs MoU with ICMR-NIN

Aims to strengthen public health nutrition at Nand Ghars- flagship social impact project

Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), the philanthropic arm of Vedanta (a foundation that works for the betterment of the less privileged communities), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR- NIN) to partner in its future endeavors and provide technical advice in public health nutrition activities being carried out under its pan – India women and child welfare project Nand Ghar.

The MoU was signed between Dr. R Hemalatha, Director, ICMR- NIN, and Dr. Richa Malik, Head -Nutrition, Nand Ghar, AAF in the presence of Dr. Avula Laxmaiah, Former Scientist G & Head of Public Health Nutrition Division, ICMR- NIN and Mr. Khurram Naayab- Head of Operations, Nand Ghar- AAF.

As part of this collaboration, NIN would support AAF to strengthen the nutrition model for Nand Ghar in the sphere of women & child development with an aim to ensure that all children, women, and the community at large adopt nutrition-sensitive practices. This will further reinforce in establishing convergence through Govt. liaison and the existing ICDS, WCD program.

In 2023, the AAF launched a nutrition initiative for children, providing multi-millet nutri-bars rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants. This 6-month pilot project that was kickstarted in March aligns with the government’s push to promote millet in daily diets and further their mission of making India malnutrition-free. AAF is distributing 9 million Nutri bars to almost 50,000 children aged 3- 6 years daily across 1400 Anganwadi including Nand Ghars in Varanasi district, every day, thus aiming to improve the daily nutrient intake of children, boosting cognitive development, and reducing absenteeism while increasing enrolment in pre-schools.