On Monday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized the need for everyone to have access to nutrient-rich food, particularly children, adding that this was the only way to achieve food security.
After officially opening the National Seminar on Child Nutrition, Vijayan stated that increasing the population’s food consumption does not result in increased food security. He added that feeding youngsters adequate food also assures their health and prevents them from developing conditions like anemia.
According to the Chief Minister, it is not true that someone is receiving less or more nourishment just because they eat less or more because they can afford to eat more. He said, “Those who are anemic do not only come from poor homes.” He stressed that making wise food decisions and altering eating patterns are necessary, especially for kids. Vijayan also provided specifics of his administration’s steps to ensure that youngsters are fed nutritious food.
He said that anganwadis give children nourishing food, especially as part of the “Nutritious Childhood” program, which provides children between the ages of 3-6 with eggs and milk twice a week.
“The state budget has set aside Rs 61.5 crore for this,” he continued.
In addition, the CM said, the state is managing 258 projects under the Integrated Child Development Scheme to offer services to women and children. More than Rs 10,000 crore has been invested in the previous six and a half years to stop the growth in the price of vital commodities.
Vijayan said that during the COVID-19 epidemic, the World Health Organization explained the value of nutrient-dense superfoods like eggs and milk in boosting and constructing the body’s immunity.
He expressed the hope that the seminar’s discussions will solidify the accomplishments thus far and spread them to those who have not yet benefited from them. He said that this nationwide conference would only mean something once you reach out to the less fortunate kids and ensure they have access to wholesome meals.