Mangaluru, June 20: Anganwadi centers in Mangaluru are under scrutiny as disruptions in traditional food supplies for pregnant women and children have led to significant criticism. Essential items like rice, green gram, chana, jaggery, sugar, and milk powder have been replaced with wheat powder, which reportedly contains worms.
Anganwadi workers express their frustration, noting the difficulties in providing adequate meals to children. “Food supply has changed for the worse in the last three months. We’re now receiving only wheat powder, often infested with worms. Additionally, the provided Sambaru and Uppittu masalas are too spicy for consumption,” said one worker.
Children have not taken well to the wheat powder, raising concerns about their nutrition. While some centers have managed to obtain rice after persistent requests, dissatisfaction remains high.
Previously, pregnant and lactating women received items like channa and green gram, now limited to children as powder laddus. The lack of supplies has led to children returning home without eating, increasing worries among Anganwadi workers about their welfare.
Officials have promised a return to rice supply next month, but workers question the effectiveness of delayed provisions, particularly noting the inadequate delivery of boiled kat sambar rice from May arriving in June. The issue extends to allowances for vegetables, with a monthly allowance of Rs 15, reinstated in April, deemed insufficient by workers.
Usman A, deputy director of the Women and Children Development Department, stated, “The menu is based on guidelines from the Defence Food Research Laboratory. Rice shortages have prompted the use of wheat, but we plan to revert to rice supply in the coastal regions starting next month.”
The inconsistent supply and quality issues have reportedly impacted Anganwadi center enrollments, as families hesitate to enroll children due to concerns over nutrition and care.
This situation highlights the urgent need for improved food supply management and enhanced support for Anganwadi centers to ensure the well-being of children and pregnant women in Mangaluru.