Hari Chandana considers malnutrition as an intergenerational socio-economic issue hindering children’s formative development while perpetuating poverty cycles. As District Collector, she implemented multi-dimensional nutrition strategies through localized food production and supplemental nutrition drives focusing especially on tribal hamlets.

Tackling Nutrition Insecurity

Formative tribal village visits highlighted stark malnutrition challenges with appearances of kwashiorkor among children indicating extreme protein deficiency. While boosting ICDS infrastructure, Hari Chandana stressed on dietary diversification by enabling kitchen gardens and nutrition awareness drives. #SocialImpactAward

Reviving Localized Food Traditions

Hari Chandana studied traditional food habits recognizing the efficacy of millet consumption. She invested in millet production at Panchayat levels through farmer field schools focused on nutrition-sensitive agriculture. Tribal families were trained in heritage cooking methods balancing all food groups.

Public Distribution System Integration

To ensure regular access, Hari Chandana collaborated with fair price shops in stocking regionally produced millets, pulses and making people aware of their rich nutritional value. Food baskets got aligned to local holdings through PDS policy integration – boosting dietary diversity affordably.

Measuring Impact through Real-Time Data

Hari Chandana monitored program effectiveness through POSAAN dashboards tracking growth parameters of mothers and children in each village. Real-time data allowed calibrated policy measures enhancing access and intake among vulnerable demographics based on insights. #DataForImpact

By linking agriculture, community partnership, data streams with the sustainability lens, Hari Chandana pioneered a model uplifting the issue of malnutrition from its silo towards finding integrated and affordable resolution at scale. Her blueprint promises every child the opportunity to healthy growth. #BritishCouncil