Thousands of Anganwadi centres across Uttar Pradesh are now serving freshly cooked, nutritious meals to children aged three to six, marking a significant expansion of the state’s child nutrition programme under the Hot Cooked Meal Yojana.
In Uttar Pradesh, thousands of Anganwadi centres are now serving freshly cooked meals to young children as part of the state’s Hot Cooked Meal Yojana, a programme linked to Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0. According to the Free Press Journal, about 32.88 lakh children aged three to six are receiving the food across roughly 1.89 lakh centres, reflecting a major expansion of early-childhood nutrition support in the state.
The weekly menu is designed to vary through the week and includes dishes such as roti with vegetables, rice with lentils, and tahri made with seasonal produce. Each child is allocated 70 grams of food grains a day, with the stated aim not only of improving nutrition but also of introducing children to a balanced diet at an early age. Reporting from several local publications said the same meal pattern is being followed across both co-located and non-co-located centres.
Officials have also placed strong emphasis on food safety and cleanliness. Grains are to be checked for quality before use, washed carefully, and vegetables rinsed multiple times before cooking. Before the food is served, at least two adults, such as a teacher, cook or member of a Mata Samiti, are meant to taste and assess it on a roster basis. At co-located centres, meals are prepared using kitchens and equipment from the PM Poshan scheme in nearby primary and upper primary schools, while non-co-located centres depend on support from local bodies and gram panchayats.
Leena Johri, additional chief secretary in the women welfare, child development and nutrition department, said the state is focusing on regular delivery of hot, nutritious food and on ensuring that children receive it safely. The scheme was launched in November 2023 in co-located Anganwadi centres, according to newsroompost.com, and has since been extended as part of the government’s broader child nutrition push.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
