Activists Condemn Karnataka Government’s Move to Replace Cooked Meals with Packaged Nutrition Powder
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government’s Social Welfare Department (SWD) has come under fire for its recent proposal to introduce nutritional powder and peanut-spirulina chikki as dietary supplements in hostels and residential schools. Activists and concerned citizens have strongly condemned this move, urging the government to continue providing fresh, locally sourced, hot-cooked meals instead.
Government’s Proposal Sparks Outrage
The SWD has invited proposals (Ref: SWD/2024-25/IND0319) for the supply of CFTRI-approved nutritional powder and peanut-spirulina chikki to various hostels and residential schools under its jurisdiction. The initiative, aimed at enhancing students’ nutrition, has been met with staunch opposition from advocacy groups who argue that replacing fresh meals with processed supplements is both regressive and detrimental to students’ health.
Activists Demand Retention of Cooked Meals
Ahara Namma Hakku, a Karnataka-based organization advocating for the right to nutritious food for over a decade, has strongly opposed the SWD’s move. The organization, along with 78 signatories, has submitted a formal letter to the Principal Secretary and Commissioner of the Social Welfare Department, demanding the continuation of freshly prepared meals in schools and hostels.
“Replacing hot, cooked meals with packaged powders and chikkis is unacceptable. Children deserve fresh, locally sourced, and nutritious food prepared at their institutions,” a representative from Ahara Namma Hakku stated.
Concerns Over Health and Quality
Critics argue that shifting to pre-packaged food products undermines the importance of balanced nutrition, which is best achieved through hot-cooked meals made from fresh ingredients. Experts have warned that relying on nutritional powders and supplements cannot replace the benefits of a diverse, well-rounded diet.
“The government must ensure that students receive meals that are culturally appropriate, nutritious, and prepared in hygienic conditions. Packaged food, regardless of its nutritional claims, cannot be a substitute for a freshly cooked diet,” said a health and nutrition expert familiar with the matter.
Call for Government to Reconsider
The activists have urged the Karnataka government to withdraw the proposal and focus on strengthening the existing school meal system. They emphasize that investing in local produce and community-based meal preparation would not only support students’ health but also benefit local farmers and food suppliers.
“We look forward to a positive response from the government. Ensuring nutritious meals for children is a fundamental right that should not be compromised,” the letter from Ahara Namma Hakku concluded.
As the debate continues, all eyes are on the Social Welfare Department to see whether it will reconsider its decision and prioritize the well-being of students across Karnataka.
Statements:
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“Replacing fresh, locally sourced hot meals with processed powders and chikkis is a step backward. Our children deserve better.”
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“Packaged nutrition is not a substitute for fresh, hot-cooked meals. The government must rethink this decision.”
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“Ensuring nutritious meals for children is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Karnataka must uphold this!”
Key Quotes:
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Activist from Ahara Namma Hakku: “Children need real food, not factory-made supplements. This decision undermines their right to nutritious meals.”
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Nutrition Expert: “A balanced diet comes from fresh ingredients, not from powders and chikkis. We must invest in proper meal preparation, not shortcuts.”
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Concerned Parent: “Would ministers eat nutrition powder for lunch? Then why give it to our children?”
Q&A:
Q: What is the Karnataka government proposing?
A: The government plans to introduce nutritional powders and peanut-spirulina chikki in hostels and residential schools instead of fresh, cooked meals.
Q: Why is this being opposed?
A: Activists argue that fresh, hot meals made from local ingredients provide better nutrition than processed food, which may lack essential diversity in nutrients.
Q: What do activists demand?
A: They are urging the government to withdraw the proposal and continue providing hot, cooked meals prepared at schools and hostels.
#SaveOurMeals 🥘 #HotMealsNotPowders 🍲 #NoToPackagedFood 🚫 #FoodIsARight ✅ #NutritionMatters 🌿
