What We Do

At The Tiffin Project, we are committed to addressing childhood malnutrition in the most critical early years—ages 4 to 13—by partnering directly with local anganwadi centers. Our approach is simple, sustainable, and centered around the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy, strong, and nourished.

The Challenge in Chhattisgarh

Despite ongoing efforts, malnutrition remains a significant concern in Chhattisgarh. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21):

• 34.6% of children under five are stunted (low height for age), indicating chronic undernutrition.
• 31.3% are underweight (low weight for age), reflecting both acute and chronic undernutrition.
• 18.9% suffer from wasting (low weight for height), a sign of acute malnutrition.
• 8.4% experience severe wasting, posing immediate health risks.

These figures highlight the urgent need for targeted nutritional interventions in the state.

1. Identifying At-Risk Children

We collaborate with anganwadi workers to identify children who are underweight, undernourished, or showing signs of poor health. These children are prioritized for enrollment into our program to ensure immediate and targeted nutritional support.

2. The Tiffin Tracker Program

Enrolled children receive a weekly supply of protein- and nutrient-rich snacks made from locally available ingredients. Our current nutrition packs include:

• Seasonal fruits – such as bananas, guavas, or papayas, rich in fiber, vitamins, and natural sugars.
• Roasted chana (chickpeas) – an excellent plant-based protein source.
• Millet laddoos – made with bajra or ragi and jaggery, high in iron, calcium, and energy.
• Groundnut (peanut) balls – packed with healthy fats and proteins, ideal for child nutrition.

These snacks are affordable, culturally acceptable, and easy to distribute, making them a sustainable addition to the child's regular diet.

3. Monitoring Growth and Progress

We track the weight and height of every enrolled child on a regular basis. This ongoing monitoring helps us understand nutritional improvements over time and adjust strategies as needed to ensure meaningful impact.

4. Educating Mothers and Caregivers

We work directly with mothers and caregivers through small group sessions that use simple language and picture-based charts to share essential knowledge about:

• Balanced meals using local foods.
• Age-appropriate feeding practices.
• Basic hygiene and food safety.
• Myths and facts about child nutrition.

This empowerment helps families become active participants in improving their children's health.

5. Building Lasting Habits

Our goal is not just to fill stomachs but to build a culture of nutrition. By promoting local, affordable foods and reinforcing daily habits through community engagement, we aim to make lasting change that continues even after our direct support ends.

The Tiffin Project is more than a meal program—it's a movement to give every child a strong, healthy start in life.