Mangesh Ramesh Medha and his family live in Tadachi Machi, a small tribal village in Jawhar taluka, Palghar district, with a population of 203. Their primary occupations are agriculture and labor. Mangesh’s daughter, Sakshi (name changed), was born weighing 2.5 kg. Due to the family’s financial struggles, Sakshi’s parents had to migrate for work, leading to inadequate breastfeeding and poor care, resulting in Sakshi’s malnutrition.

When the Navajivan project by Action Against Hunger Foundation began in Jawhar taluka, an initial screening between 6-59 months in Tadachi Machi, revealed Sakshi weighed 9.2 kg and was classified as moderately malnourished (MAM), with a height of 84 cm.

Anganwadi Tai and community organizer Jagdish Patil visited Sakshi’s family, where they explained the causes and consequences of malnutrition. They also educated Sakshi’s parents on proper home food, hygiene, and the importance of Take Home Ration (THR). Sakshi’s eating habits were monitored, and her parents were advised to replace processed snacks with fresh home-cooked meals.

Monthly visits included counseling, cooking demos, and handwashing education. A health check-up camp for MAM/SAM children was organized, where Sakshi received a pediatric consultation and treatment. Sakshi’s mother was trained in using MUAC tape, and she was encouraged to send Sakshi to the Anganwadi daily.

Due to financial constraints, Sakshi’s family could not afford fresh vegetables, but Action Against Hunger provided gardening training. They planted seeds, and the family began using homegrown vegetables in their diet, improving Sakshi’s nutrition.

As a result of these interventions, Sakshi’s weight increased to 10 kg, and her height was 86 cm. She moved out of the MAM category into the normal range. Sakshi’s parents were overjoyed, and they expressed their gratitude to the Action Against Hunger Foundation.