The Business Bytes
New Delhi, October 7, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, marked National Nutrition Month 2024 with impactful community health initiatives across its operations. Tailored specifically for children, adolescents, and mothers, the campaign emphasized the importance of a balanced diet and nutritious food choices. This year’s theme, ‘Nutritious diet for everyone,’ is observed annually by the Government of India.
At Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), POSHAN Maah featured several initiatives aimed at enhancing nutrition and health awareness in Nand Ghars, which are modernized anganwadis supported by Vedanta. Activities included training for ‘Take Home Ration’ recipes, health camps for anemia screenings, and specialized care for pregnant and lactating mothers. A community recipe competition and discussions with fathers underscored the importance of family nutrition. The POSHAN Maah Samaapan Samaaroh on September 30, 2024, celebrated these efforts by honouring “Champion Mothers” and launching the “Poshan Talks” video series alongside the ‘Poshan Patrika’ newsletter to promote sustainable nutritional practices.
In Vedanta Aluminium’s Lanjigarh refinery, a month-long series of activities engaged families in understanding the significance of a balanced diet, aligned with the theme ‘Nutritious diet for everyone.’ Activities included food exhibitions, cooking competitions, and health awareness drives. The ‘Pehli Udaan’ project specifically addressed adolescent health by introducing an anemia eradication program, featuring screenings and community initiatives such as vegetable gardens and orchards. Protein shakes and nutrition kits have already benefited over 700 people through modernized Nand Ghars.
In Jharsuguda, Vedanta Aluminium distributed 17,500 units of millet protein shakes to the District Welfare Officer for distribution across 175 Nand Ghars, ensuring vital nutritional support for children and mothers in the community.
Commenting on the initiatives, Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium, said, “Nutrition is vital to the well-being of our communities, and at Vedanta Aluminium, we are dedicated to creating a lasting impact. By engaging with local communities, we aim to raise awareness about nutritious food and encourage healthier practices. Our initiatives during National Nutrition Month reflect our commitment to sustainability and our vision of a healthier future for all.”
