A Mother’s Journey: How Consistent Nutrition Helped Her Child Thrive in Chhattisgarh
UNICEF’s technical and capacity-building partnership with the state government has strengthened frontline nutrition services and ensured nutrition programmes reach vulnerable communities
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Manpur, Chhattisgarh State, India — In a remote forest-adjacent village in Manpur block in eastern Indian state of Chhattisgarh, the arrival of mahua (flowering) season brings a familiar rhythm of life. For nearly three months each year, from March to May, the women of the village head deep into the forest to collect mahua flowers—an essential seasonal livelihood for many tribal families.
Among them is Sangeeta, who spends long hours in the forest during this season. Her three-year-old daughter, Katyayni, was found to be severely malnourished during a routine screening at the local Anganwadi center (Community Nutrition & Early Childhood Development Centre).
Before receiving ready-to-eat take home rations from the anganwadi worker, Sangeeta remembers feeling helpless:
“I used to worry so much when I was away, unsure if Katyayni was getting enough food. It was difficult to manage.”
Through access to ready-to-eat take home rations , Katyayni began receiving consistent and nutritious supplementary food at home. Even while Sangeeta is away collecting mahua, her mother-in-law ensures Katyayni is fed with the ready-to-eat take home rations daily.
“It’s easy to make, and my mother-in-law gives it every day,” Sangeeta shares. “Now I don’t worry the way I used to when I am away.”
Workers have noted steady weight gain and improved energy levels in Katyayni. For Sangeeta, the difference lies not only in the food but in the timely support system that made it accessible when they needed it most. This support was made possible through UNICEF’s technical and capacity-building partnership with the state government, which strengthened frontline nutrition services and ensured that nutrition programmes reached vulnerable communities at just the right time.
“I feel more confident now that I know Katyayni is getting the nourishment she needs. It’s such a relief to have this support when I’m out working,” Sangeeta reflects on how the support has empowered her:
“I’m not alone in this anymore. It’s like having someone watching over us, making sure my child gets what she needs.”
While many in Manpur block face various challenges, not all communities share the same circumstances. Some families still lack access to the critical support systems that make a difference.
However, the success of nutrition programmes like this one in Sangeeta’s village demonstrates that, with the right resources and timely intervention, children can receive the care they need to grow healthy and strong, regardless of the season.
A Lasting Change
The impact of these programmes extends beyond physical growth; it also builds a more resilient future for communities like Manpur block.
UNICEF's ongoing commitment to improving maternal and child nutrition, alongside local efforts, is a beacon of hope for a generation of children who will thrive, stronger and healthier than ever before.
Through collaboration, understanding, and the availability of life-changing resources, families are empowered, one meal at a time, to build brighter futures.
