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As we observe National Nutrition Week from September 1 to September 7, it's essential to reflect on initiatives that are driving change in communities. One such program is Merino’s Mid-Day Meal Program at Swami Vivekananda Arunoday Vidyalaya (SVAV) alongside Savera school, that's driving the change for a better future. Through this initiative, Merino ensures that young children, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, have access to nutritious food daily, thus contributing to their physical and cognitive development.

Why Mid-Day Meals Are Crucial?

In many low-income families across India, children rely on mid-day meals provided by their schools as their primary source of nutrition. For these children, a healthy, nutritious meal can mean the difference between thriving in school and struggling with hunger. Merino recognized this need and stepped in through its Swami Vivekananda Arunoday Vidyalaya (SVAV) mid-day meal initiative, extending nutritional support to students not only at their campus but also in other low-income schools. Nutrition is directly linked to academic performance, physical health, and emotional well-being, making programs like these indispensable in shaping a better future for young minds.

How Merino Makes a Difference

At the SVAV campus, a modern kitchen equipped with advanced cooking facilities serves as the heart of Merino’s Mid-Day Meal Program. Here, meals are prepared with great attention to detail, ensuring optimal hygiene standards. The menu is carefully crafted to ensure that children receive a balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

For the students at SVAV, Merino goes beyond just one meal per day. The school provides three meals daily — breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring that children are well-fed throughout the day. The school ensures that all the nutritional needs of the children are fully met, allowing them to focus on their education without the burden of having to work for their daily bread.

Extending Reach: Supporting Low-Income Schools

Recognizing the wider need for nutrition among students in low-income areas, the company expanded its Mid-Day Meal Program to two schools in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, where around 157 children altogether, benefit from freshly cooked meals every day.

These meals are prepared at the SVAV kitchen and delivered to the schools, maintaining the same high standards of hygiene and nutrition. The food serves as a powerful motivator for these children, encouraging regular attendance and helping them stay focused during classes. For many of them, it’s the one dependable meal they can count on each day.

Caring for Special-Needs Students: Savera School for Mentally Challenged

Merino has also extended its support to children with special needs at the Savera School for Mentally Challenged Children in Rohad, Haryana, where the company provides mid-day meals for 70 students. Nutrition is especially crucial for children with mental and physical challenges, as a well-balanced diet helps enhance their growth, cognitive functions, and overall health.

At Savera, the Mid-Day Meal Program is tailored to the specific needs of these children, ensuring they receive the vital nutrients required for their holistic development. The meals prepared for them are not just about sustenance — they are an integral part of their care and rehabilitation.

Aligning with Global SDG Goals

Merino’s Mid-Day Meal Program aligns with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making it a part of a larger global effort toward social equity and well-being. Specifically, the program contributes to:

- SDG 1: No Poverty – Proper nutrition is the foundation of good health, and by providing balanced meals, Merino supports the overall well-being of children, helping them grow into individuals who can eliminate poverty for their families, by leveraging their education.

- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – By ensuring that children receive regular, nutritious meals, Merino is fighting food insecurity and hunger in vulnerable communities.

- SDG 4: Quality Education — The Mid-Day Meal Program is a part of the community wellbeing initiative aimed to instill quality education. The program drives students to pursue good education at the forefront, pushing them up on literacy.

- SDG 5: Gender Equality — With a ratio that emphasizes girls for education and nourishment alongside boys, Merino’s Mid-Day Meal Program instills Gender Equality at the core of its functioning.

- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities — Children, who are a part of the school or the program, are usually from extremely humble backgrounds or financially weak classes of the society. By helping them receive education and proper nutrition through the meals, Merino strives to reduce inequalities in the society.

These initiatives showcase Merino's dedication to long-term impact, instilling healthier communities and supporting the next generation in their journey toward better futures.

Conclusive Thoughts

As we celebrate National Nutrition Week, Merino’s Mid-Day Meal Program serves as a shining example of how thoughtful, impactful initiatives can change lives. Nutrition is the foundation of learning, growth, and success. Through its commitment to ensuring that every child has access to healthy meals, Merino is striving for a brighter future and a stronger community. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest act—like providing a meal—can have the most profound and lasting impact.

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