What Foods Are Provided Under ICDS to Children & Pregnant Women?

The ICDS is one of India’s most significant welfare programs started in 1975. ICDS provides essential nutrition, healthcare, and education services to combat malnutrition and ensure overall well-being. One of the most crucial aspects of ICDS is the Supplementary Nutrition Programme, which ensures that young children and expecting mothers receive balanced and nutritious food to support their growth and development.

Food Provided Under ICDS

The food provided under ICDS varies based on age groups, physiological conditions, and local food availability. The nutritional support is divided into two major categories: children (aged 6 months to 6 years) and pregnant/lactating women.

1. Nutrition for Children (6 months to 6 years)

Young children need proper nutrition for physical and cognitive development. ICDS provides food in different forms based on age groups:

A. Children aged 6 months to 3 years:

• Take-home rations (THR) in the form of fortified wheat, rice, pulses, and edible oil
• Energy-dense food such as fortified flour or premixed cereals
• Micronutrient-rich food items to prevent deficiencies
• Milk powder or other dairy-based supplements, depending on state policies
• Locally available food items prepared hygienically to meet calorie requirements

B. Children aged 3 years to 6 years:

• Hot-cooked meals served at Anganwadi Centers (AWCs)
• Nutritious dishes such as khichdi, dal-rice, upma, poha, idli, and vegetable pulao
• Seasonal fruits and vegetables to ensure vitamin and mineral intake
• Eggs or milk in some states as an additional protein source
• Iron and folic acid-fortified food to prevent anemia

This meal plan aims to provide children with at least 500 kilocalories and 12-15 grams of protein per day.

2. Nutrition for Pregnant and Lactating Women

Expecting and new mothers require an adequate diet to support their health and the well-being of their babies. The food provided under ICDS for pregnant and lactating women includes:

• Take-home rations (THR) containing fortified wheat flour, rice, pulses, and edible oil
• Fortified ready-to-eat foods such as ladoos, panjiri, or energy-dense cereal mixes
• Iron, folic acid, and calcium supplements to prevent anemia and bone-related deficiencies
• Hot-cooked meals at Anganwadi centers in some areas consisting of protein-rich and energy-dense foods
• Milk, eggs, or locally available protein sources
• Seasonal fruits and green leafy vegetables to enhance vitamin and mineral intake

Pregnant and lactating mothers are provided with 600 kilocalories and 18-20 grams of protein per day to ensure adequate nourishment.

Nutritional Value and Importance of ICDS Food

The food provided under ICDS is scientifically designed to meet essential nutritional needs. It contains:

• Macronutrients (Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Fats) for energy and muscle growth
• Micronutrients (Iron, Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Zinc) to prevent malnutrition
• Folic Acid and Iodine promote brain development in children and prevent birth defects
• Antioxidants and Fiber from vegetables and fruits for better digestion and immunity

Challenges in the ICDS Nutrition Program

While ICDS plays a crucial role in improving the health of children and mothers, several challenges exist:

• Inconsistent food quality in some regions due to supply chain issues
• Lack of awareness among beneficiaries about the importance of nutrition
• Inadequate infrastructure at Anganwadi centers affecting food preparation and distribution
• Regional disparities in the type and quality of food provided
• Storage and hygiene issues leading to food spoilage

The Way Forward

The carefully designed Supplementary Nutrition Programme ensures that beneficiaries receive the right balance of nutrients crucial for growth and well-being. However, continuous improvements in food quality, better infrastructure, and community participation are necessary to maximize its impact. Through strong implementation and awareness, ICDS can help build a healthier and nourished future generation.