Food and Nutrition

The hindered physical and mental development of children due to malnutrition persists, despite advancements in the health sector, with the country still significantly lacking in nutrition. Statistics reveal alarming figures, with 38.7% of children aged zero to 59 months being short, 35.1% underweight, and 16.3% experiencing stunted growth due to malnutrition. The primary causes identified include population density, poverty, ignorance, and a lack of public awareness about nutrition. Malnutrition affects not only children in impoverished families but also those in affluent households. Shadow Bangladesh has dedicated substantial efforts to aiding street children, encompassing education, food, clothing, medical assistance, and technical training to enhance their quality of life. However, volunteers involved in the education program acknowledge that underprivileged street children cannot solely improve their condition through education. Emphasizing the pivotal role of nutritional support, Shadow Bangladesh underscores the necessity of addressing children's food requirements for their physical, healthy, and intellectual development.

Chayatal’s Initiative:

·        Chayatal provide breakfast to the children.

·        Lunch: After finishing their classes, we try to feed the children a full meal. From the beginning, we served food to children on clay plates. Considering children’s nutritional aspects, we include a sufficient amount of vegetables and small fish in the food list. To reduce the cost of food, we shop groceries ourselves and cook in the office of the organization.

·        At the end of the day especially in the Afternoon children eat a snack.