Mumbai : Akshaya Chaitanya has launched the “Bowl of Growth Program,” a new initiative aimed at addressing child malnutrition in the city. Over the next six months, the program will support the health of 1,000 children from balwadis (pre-schools) and 3,000 children from primary schools in Mumbai. The mission is centered on three pillars: Nutrition, Awareness, and Education, to create healthier urban communities and combat malnutrition among children.

Supported by the PepsiCo Foundation under its CSR initiative, the program is titled “Fortified Multigrain & Millet-Based Supplementation to Address Malnutrition in 3-14-Year-Old Children from Urban Slum Communities of Mumbai.” This evidence-based intervention will be implemented in selected balwadis and municipal schools across Mumbai, providing nutritional support to children most in need.

The program’s launch event in Mumbai was attended by key figures such as Deputy Commissioner Prachi Jambhekar and Primary Education Officer Rajesh Kankal. In a video message, BMC Municipal Commissioner Dr. Bhushan Gagrani praised the initiative, emphasizing how it aligns with the government’s efforts to eradicate malnutrition and highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships to extend the program’s reach.

Akshaya Chaitanya’s CEO, Vikas Parchhanda, highlighted the critical nature of tackling malnutrition, particularly in Mumbai’s urban slums where child malnutrition rates are alarming. He emphasized the program’s broader goal of providing not only meals but also education for caregivers, aiming to nourish children’s minds and bodies to help them thrive. Regular follow-ups, including health screenings, will be conducted to ensure the program’s success.