Nurturing Health & Growth for Children of India

At CRY UK, we believe every child deserves a happy and healthy environment. Healthy diet is an important factor for a child's physical, mental and cognitive development. The nutrition received in the first 1,000 days after the birth of a child is crucial for brain development and future growth of the body. 

With the constant work and effort by the Indian government, the infant mortality rate (IMR), child mortality rate (CMR) and maternal mortality rate (MMR) is decreasing but there is still a long way to go. While the Government of India is working towards achieving food security and ensuring public nutritional requirements are met, the public distribution system (fair price ration shops) distributes only staples like rice, wheat and hardly covers the demand for micronutrients supplements such as iron, vitamin A, iodine, zinc, vitamin B12 and vitamin D. The need for these micronutrients can only be met through fruits and vegetables.

Therefore CRY UK is implementing a project focusing on promoting kitchen gardens. The initiative aims to reduce malnutrition by enabling communities and government institutions to grow vegetables and fruits rich in micronutrients. It also aims to grow vegetables and fruits that are specific to the geography. 

The kitchen gardens programs are implemented at two levels:

1- Individual household levels as the backyard kitchen gardens

2- Institutional level where the produce can be used in mid-day meals cooked at ICDS/Anganwadi Centres

Through this program CRY UK is focusing on the following things:

• Training on nutrition, hygiene, and food preparation 
• Awareness on locally available fruits and vegetables
• Training for households especially women on low-cost home garden management
• Training project staff by conducting sessions for new technologies in integrated home garden management
• Leadership training to potential leader women farmers in groups Exposure visit for kitchen garden farmers

While this is a step in the right direction, we have a long way to go and need your help.

Your donation to supportCRY UK’s kitchen garden initiative can provide underprivileged children and communities with a sustainable source of nutrition and give them a chance at a healthier tomorrow.