Report on Educational Visit to Anganwadi Centre

Department of Food Science & Nutrition
Report on Educational Visit to Anganwadi Centre
Date: March 27, 2025
Venue: Sunni Chowk Anganwadi Centre, Mysuru

Organized by: Department of Food Science & Nutrition, St. Philomena’s College
Faculty Coordinator: Ms. Mary Irene J., Assistant Professor & Head of the Department

1. Introduction:

As part of the academic enrichment and practical exposure, the Department of Food Science & Nutrition organized a field visit to a local Anganwadi Centre on March 27, 2025. This visit was aimed at providing students with a firsthand understanding of the functioning of Anganwadis, the implementation of nutritional programs, and the role of frontline workers in addressing child and maternal nutrition.

2. Objectives of the Visit:

To understand the structure and functioning of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme at the grassroots level.
To observe the supplementary nutrition programs (SNP) provided to children, pregnant and lactating women.
To interact with Anganwadi workers and gain insights into their roles, responsibilities, and challenges.
To learn about the record-keeping and monitoring tools used in Anganwadis.
To encourage students to relate theoretical knowledge of community nutrition to real-world applications.

3. Activities Conducted:

Interaction with Anganwadi workers about daily schedules and nutritional interventions.
Observation of mid-day meal preparation and distribution.
Examination of growth monitoring charts and records.
Students engaged in play-based nutrition education activities for children.
Discussions on common nutritional deficiencies observed in children and strategies employed for correction.

4. Key Outcomes:

Enhanced Understanding: Students gained clarity on how government nutrition programs are implemented at the ground level.
Practical Exposure: Exposure to real-time data management, growth monitoring, and food distribution enhanced students’ knowledge of public health nutrition.
Community Engagement: Students developed a deeper sense of social responsibility and empathy towards community health workers and beneficiaries.
Skill Development: Improved communication, observation, and analytical skills through real-world engagement.
Academic Integration: Enabled students to apply concepts learned in subjects like Community Nutrition and Public Health in a practical setting.

5. Conclusion:

The visit to the Anganwadi Centre was an enriching and insightful experience for the students. It served as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and its practical application in public nutrition. Such visits are vital in preparing students to contribute effectively to the community as future nutritionists and public health professionals.