What are the devastating effects of hunger on children? What are food NGOs in India doing to combat the food crisis?

"There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread.”

This powerful quote by the Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi speaks volumes of the extent of the global hunger crisis even years ago. As nations have progressed in terms of economic development, lakhs of India’s youth still live in a state of extreme hunger and poverty. 

India has one of the largest populations of young children facing acute hunger and malnourishment. Severe malnourishment can have longstanding devastating effects on the body, including the following:

  1. Increased risk of chronic diseases: According to several studies, the lack of nutritious food and clean drinking water has led to the devastating spread of several life-threatening diseases. Conditions such as Marasmus and Kwashiorkor are very common amongst children in India due to prolonged food deprivation. A majority of children facing malnourishment suffer from anemia and severe lethargy. Malnutrition also leads to higher chances of pneumonia and tuberculosis. Poor nutrition further weakens one’s immune system, making them largely susceptible to communicable diseases as well. 

  2. Poor concentration and performance: Undernourished individuals tend to not be able to meet their physical and mental potential. Young children who do not receive vital nutrients find it difficult to concentrate during school hours and food NGOs in India maintain academic performance and food need as well. As they join the labour force, malnourished individuals tend to feel very weak, and not reach productivity requirements. These issues further lead to serious economic problems in the long run. 

  3. Stunted growth and development: Research has revealed that more than half the children in rural India are underweight and present stunted growth. Poor development caused by lack of nourishment also weakens the physiological system of the body.

Several Food NGOs in India function with the aim of hunger eradication and improving food security within the nation. A large number of these organizations implement the mid-day meal scheme, a school meal program launched by the Government of India. Under this scheme, lakhs of children attending government-aided and Non-aided schools are provided with fully cooked, nourishing meals once a day. Since its inception, the mid-day meal scheme has created a tangible impact on the lives of innumerable families and communities. 

Ensure no child goes to bed on an empty stomach and doesn’t have to face the dreading consequences of malnourishment. Donate to NGOs to save a life! 

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