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Background <p>Malnutrition in all its forms remains a critical public health challenge in India. Public food procurement (PFP) serves as a potential entry point for addressing malnutrition while promoting sustainable food systems. The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme, a major PFP initiative in India, plays a crucial role in improving the nutritional status of vulnerable populations. This study explored opportunities to enhance dietary diversity and environmental sustainability within the Supplementary Nutrition Program (SNP) under ICDS in Andhra Pradesh.</p> Methods <p>An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in eleven purposively selected villages of two blocks of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh engaging with program implementers and facilitators at grassroots level along with community members. Through key informant interviews and focus group discussions, the study first identified key stakeholders involved across the supply chain of SNP-ICDS and gathered selected stakeholders’ perceptions regarding program challenges and opportunities for food diversification while enhancing environmental sustainability. Data from the discussions were analysed using thematic analysis deploying inductive approach.</p> Result <p>Findings highlight operational challenges such as delays in delivery of food items through centralized supply chain, improper food storage and technological barriers with the online application used for distributing the take-home ration. Stakeholders emphasized the potential of local food procurement, establishment of kitchen gardens, and millet inclusion in the menu to enhance both dietary diversity and environmental sustainability. Additionally, strengthening community engagement, nutrition education, and skill-based training for grassroots workers were highlighted as crucial strategies for improving food acceptability and dietary diversity.</p> Conclusion <p>The study highlights opportunities to enhance dietary diversity and integrate environmental sustainability within the SNP-ICDS through local food procurement. Fostering community engagement and addressing logistical challenges, budget constraints could enhance program effectiveness. Advocacy for policy reforms at higher levels, particularly promotion of local procurement and decentralising fund allocation is recommended to enhance the effectiveness of SNP-ICDS.</p>

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Opportunities for enhancing dietary diversity and environmental sustainability of supplementary nutrition program under the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme - a qualitative study in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月30日

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  • Ayushi Dhasmana,
  • Paraskevi Seferidi,
  • Vidisha Sharma,
  • Sahiba Kohli,
  • Suparna Ghosh-Jerath

摘要

Background

Malnutrition in all its forms remains a critical public health challenge in India. Public food procurement (PFP) serves as a potential entry point for addressing malnutrition while promoting sustainable food systems. The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme, a major PFP initiative in India, plays a crucial role in improving the nutritional status of vulnerable populations. This study explored opportunities to enhance dietary diversity and environmental sustainability within the Supplementary Nutrition Program (SNP) under ICDS in Andhra Pradesh.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in eleven purposively selected villages of two blocks of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh engaging with program implementers and facilitators at grassroots level along with community members. Through key informant interviews and focus group discussions, the study first identified key stakeholders involved across the supply chain of SNP-ICDS and gathered selected stakeholders’ perceptions regarding program challenges and opportunities for food diversification while enhancing environmental sustainability. Data from the discussions were analysed using thematic analysis deploying inductive approach.

Result

Findings highlight operational challenges such as delays in delivery of food items through centralized supply chain, improper food storage and technological barriers with the online application used for distributing the take-home ration. Stakeholders emphasized the potential of local food procurement, establishment of kitchen gardens, and millet inclusion in the menu to enhance both dietary diversity and environmental sustainability. Additionally, strengthening community engagement, nutrition education, and skill-based training for grassroots workers were highlighted as crucial strategies for improving food acceptability and dietary diversity.

Conclusion

The study highlights opportunities to enhance dietary diversity and integrate environmental sustainability within the SNP-ICDS through local food procurement. Fostering community engagement and addressing logistical challenges, budget constraints could enhance program effectiveness. Advocacy for policy reforms at higher levels, particularly promotion of local procurement and decentralising fund allocation is recommended to enhance the effectiveness of SNP-ICDS.