NutriKik: Nutrition Supplements for Children

NutriKik is an SIF nutrition program launched in 2021 to tackle childhood malnutrition and anemia in Telangana’s residential schools. It started as a pilot in 2021-22 and now plans to reach 350,000 children (ages 10–22) across the state. SIF developed a line of nutritious snacks made from millets, moringa and spirulina – such as spirulina-peanut chikkis, multigrain biscuits and energy bites – fortified with essential vitamins and minerals  synergyindia.foundation. These supplements are given daily along with meals to ensure undernourished kids receive complete nutrition. The program specifically targets protein-energy malnutrition and iron-deficiency anemia by enriching the students’ diets beyond the regular school food.

Background: The Nutrition Challenge

Undernutrition remains a serious issue in India. Large proportions of rural children suffer from protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), Vitamin A deficiency, and particularly anemia  synergyindia.foundation. Telangana is no exception – surveys have highlighted persistently high rates of child anemia and stunting. Poor diets (often heavy on carbs but low in protein and micronutrients) impair kids’ growth and learning. NutriKik addresses these gaps: by adding locally acceptable, micronutrient-dense foods to every child’s plate, it helps children thrive and develop normally.

Implementation: Supplements & Screening

• Fortified Snacks: Each day, children receive a NutriKik supplement as part of their meal. These products (e.g. spirulina and moringa chikkis, ragi or jowar biscuits) are rich in iron, protein and vitamins  synergyindia.foundation. The ingredients are locally sourced and recipes are approved by nutrition experts to match children’s tastes and needs.
• Anemia Screening: SIF conducts regular hemoglobin tests on students to identify anemia early. Any child found anemic receives follow-up care: iron-rich supplements, diet advice, or referral to clinics for treatment. Routine screenings are a key component of the project.
• Nutrition Education: Teachers and students are educated on balanced diets and healthy eating habits. The program includes sessions for caretakers on preparing nutritious meals using local foods (e.g. adding leafy greens, eggs, legumes). Thus, NutriKik also promotes long-term dietary awareness.
• Monitoring Growth: Health workers track children’s weight, height and hemoglobin over time to measure the program’s effect. These metrics guide adjustments (for example, adding more iron-rich items if anemia remains high).

Outcomes and Benefits

Though still in the pilot phase, NutriKik has shown significant benefits. By late 2022 it had covered 603 students in 4 schools  synergyindia.foundation. Even on this small scale, early results are clear: participating children have better nutritional status and higher energy. SIF reports that the program “has significantly contributed” to children’s health – improving immunity, concentration and overall growth. Absenteeism due to weakness or illness has declined, and teachers see more alert, healthy students in class. Importantly, girls at risk of anemia are receiving targeted nutrition: the combined approach of supplements and education has started to close the anemia gap in these schools.

Scaling Up

SIF plans to expand NutriKik across many more schools. Future goals include collaborating with CSR partners for funding, documenting health improvements, and introducing additional supplements (e.g. peanut-millet energy bars) as needed  synergyindia.foundation. This model can be replicated by any school or NGO: developing low-cost, nutritionally enhanced foods using local grains and distributing them via midday meals. Given India’s persistent nutrition challenges, NutriKik offers a template. By partnering with nutrition institutes (CFTRI, ICRISAT) and local farmers, similar programs can be rolled out in other states to ensure that no child goes hungry or anemic.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Nutrition is the foundation of all education and health work, and NutriKik is laying that foundation. By enriching each child’s diet, SIF is “making significant strides” toward eliminating malnutrition among the marginalized. We invite donors, government agencies, and food companies to support scaling up. For example, sponsoring the production of supplements or funding nutrition labs can make NutriKik sustainable. Together, we can nourish the body and mind of Telangana’s youth. Support from readers – whether through donations or advocacy – will help SIF ensure that every child has the nutrients they need to grow healthy, strong and capable.