‘Nourish the Future’ strengthens maternal and child nutrition outcomes in Dantewada and Bastar through community-led action
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.
