Preschoolers in Kanjikuzhy grama panchayat in Alappuzha have extra motivation to attend anganwadi these days. The local body has recently declared every Wednesday and Saturday as ‘Salad Day’ and children are being served a mix of various fruits and vegetables to help them beat the scorching summer heat and stay healthy.
There are 30 anganwadis in the panchayat with a total strength of 429 children. “The initiative was launched a couple of weeks ago. Children are served salad comprising 7-8 different types of fruits, vegetables with more watery content like carrots and microgreens, all cut into small pieces, twice a week. It is helping children keep their body cool to an extent and remain energetic,” says M. Santhoshkumar, vice-president, Kanjikuzhy grama panchayat.
The scheme is implemented with the support of Anganwadi Level Monitoring and Support Committees. Kanjikuzhy is known for producing a host of vegetables and fruits and most farmers adhere to good agriculture practices. Fruits and vegetables for Salad Days are donated by parents and other residents in the panchayat.
