Strengthening Nutrition through Community Empowerment in Bihar

At NIDAN, we believe that access to healthy, nutritious food is a right, not a privilege. In partnership with GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition), BRLPS/JEEVIKA, NIFTEM, and other stakeholders, we work to ensure that children and mothers in Bihar get wholesome, fortified foods while also creating income opportunities for local women.

Empowering Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

Through our project, women from rural communities come together in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and learn to produce Take Home Rations (THR) and nutritious snacks. These foods are designed to meet the nutritional needs of children (6 months to 3 years) and pregnant or lactating women, using healthy ingredients like millet, rice, pulses, and jaggery—without sugar, preservatives, or harmful oils.

SHGs are trained in:

  • Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure safe food production.
  • Recipe preparation, machine operations, and packaging.
  • Branding and marketing skills to sell products in both government programs and open markets.

This training not only ensures high-quality, safe, and nutritious food, but also empowers women to earn sustainable income, building confidence and leadership in their communities.

From Kitchen to Community: How the Food Reaches Families

The nutritious foods produced by SHGs are distributed through:

  • Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centers, ensuring children and mothers receive fortified meals.
  • Local community outlets like Didi ki Rasoi and Grameen Bazaars.
  • Open market sales, under carefully developed brands like Posh Tara, Gup Shup, and Bite Right.

Every batch undergoes lab testing and sensory evaluation to ensure taste, safety, and nutritional quality, making sure the food children and mothers receive is both healthy and enjoyable.

Ground Story: From Village Kitchens to Bihar’s SARAS Mela

In Muzaffarpur, SHG women recently launched their Chuda/Bhuja and Nutri Bars at the Bihar SARAS Mela, a large district-level fair. The women not only showcased their products but also interacted directly with customers, receiving feedback and learning about consumer preferences. With proper packaging and branding, these foods are now ready for larger markets, creating a bridge between rural production and urban demand.

Collaborating for Lasting Impact

Our approach is deeply collaborative:

  • GAIN provides technical support for nutrition and skill-building.
  • BRLPS/JEEVIKA facilitates coordination with local government and distribution networks.
  • NIFTEM helps develop recipes and ensures they meet national food safety standards.

Through these partnerships, NIDAN not only improves nutrition access but also enhances livelihoods, builds skills, and strengthens community systems for sustainable development.

Looking Ahead

We aim to expand the reach of these nutritious foods, train more women in SHGs, and ensure every child and mother in Bihar has access to safe, healthy, and delicious meals. By combining nutrition, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment, NIDAN is transforming lives, one meal at a time.