Pooja’s role in spreading nutrition awareness

Pooja Bai, a 27-year-old Anganwadi worker from Tobri Kheda village, Tarana block, Ujjain district, has transformed her family's health and become a nutrition advocate in her community.

Coming from a middle-class family of five, where agriculture and labour are the primary sources of income, Pooja has always managed her household alongside her job. Her life took a positive turn when a community meeting was held at her Anganwadi Centre under the Good Farming–Good Food–Good Health (GFGFGH) programme by Solidaridad.

During the session led by GFGFGH field worker Anita Chauhan, Pooja learned about the significance of protein-rich foods like soybeans and the numerous health benefits they offer. The training also introduced the concept of a nutrition garden, emphasising the importance of growing and consuming fresh vegetables. This session left a lasting impact on Pooja, who was inspired to implement these practices at home.

Within two weeks, Pooja set up a 150 sq. ft. nutrition garden in her backyard, growing seasonal vegetables such as spinach, carrots, and tomatoes. Over the next three months, her family's vegetable intake increased by 40%, significantly improving dietary diversity. Inspired by the session, she began including soy nuggets and homemade soy flour chapatis thrice a week in her family's meals. As a result, the frequency of minor illnesses—such as colds and fatigue—reduced by 30% over a six-month period, as reported in her family’s health tracking chart maintained at the Anganwadi.

Motivated by these changes, Pooja began sharing her knowledge with other women at the Anganwadi centre. She conducted six informal nutrition sessions over the next three months, directly reaching 43 women in her community. According to feedback collected in follow-up interactions, over 60% of these women have now adopted some aspect of improved dietary practices, such as growing leafy greens or cooking with soy.

Pooja credits the GFGFGH programme for empowering her with practical knowledge and tools to enhance dietary practices. Before the training, I never realised how small changes in our meals could make such a big difference. Now, my children are more energetic, and I feel confident guiding other women, she shared.

Her story is a shining example of how GFGFGH initiatives are making a tangible difference at the grassroots level, inspiring women like Pooja to lead the way towards better health and nutrition.