Nutri-hope: Improving Nutrition and Community Health in Tentulikhunti
The Nutrihope Project is a self-funded nutrition and health initiative implemented by ETPA Foundation in Tentulikhunti Block, Nabarangpur District, Odisha. The project aims to improve the nutritional status and health awareness of children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers through community-based interventions. It focuses on preventing malnutrition, promoting healthy practices, and strengthening community participation for long-term health and well-being.community-based interventions. It focuses on preventing malnutrition, promoting healthy practices, and strengthening community participation for long-term health and well-being.
Projects Overview
Nutri Gardens in Anganwadi Centres:
Nutrihope has established Nutri Gardens in Anganwadi Centres to provide fresh and nutritious vegetables and fruits for children. These gardens improve the quality of supplementary nutrition and promote healthy eating habits. Families are also encouraged to develop kitchen gardens at home.
Sapling Distribution for Household Nutrition:
Saplings of papaya, drumstick (moringa), and amla have been distributed to pregnant and lactating mothers to improve household nutrition. These plants provide long-term access to nutrient-rich food, supporting maternal and child health.
Community Awareness and Counselling:
Regular awareness sessions and home visits are conducted to reduce maternal and infant health risks. Adolescents and parents are educated on proper nutrition, prevention of child marriage, and the importance of institutional delivery and child care.
Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM):
ETPA Foundation has implemented menstrual hygiene awareness programmes in 10 high schools and provided eco-friendly reusable sanitary pads to adolescent girls, improving hygiene practices and confidence.
Convergence with Government Programmes:
ETPA actively participates in Mamata Diwas, VHND, and Growth Monitoring programmes to identify malnourished children and link them with government services. Families are counselled and supported to access government health and nutrition schemes.
Government Linkages and Community Trust:
Through strong coordination with block and district departments, ETPA Foundation is actively working in coordination with government departments and is gradually building trust as a development partner while supporting communities in accessing essential health, nutrition, and welfare services.
Impact/ Achievement
- Improved access to fresh and nutritious food for children
- Increased awareness on nutrition, hygiene, and maternal health
- Early identification and support for malnourished children
- Improved menstrual hygiene awareness among adolescent girls
- Strengthened linkage with government schemes and services
- Enhanced recognition of ETPA Foundation at block and district levels
The Nutri-hope project is helping build healthier and nutrition-secure communities by empowering families with knowledge, sustainable nutrition practices, and improved access to health and nutrition services.
