THE BACKGROUND:

In India, government school children face a double burden of malnutrition, high rates of undernutrition (stunting and thinness) along with rising overweight and widespread anaemia, especially among adolescent girls. Many students have very limited knowledge of balanced diets, essential nutrients, and healthy food choices. Studies show awareness of basic concepts like a balanced diet can be as low as 8–10% in some government schools.

Diets often have low intake of fruits, vegetables, and proteins, while consumption of packaged and junk foods is increasing. Although government schemes provide food support, practical nutrition education in schools remains weak. School-based awareness programmes have proven highly effective in improving knowledge and eating habits when delivered interactively.

ABOUT ME AND MY INITIATIVE:

I am Aryakee Vashishtha Patel, a Grade 11 student at Ahmedabad Intl School (AIS). I am running this crowdfunding campaign to support my initiative 'GIFT NUTRITION', which is focused on helping children, especially those in municipal and government schools, understand food and make better everyday choices. 

I have built this programme after completing a formal course in nutrition that covered balanced diets, nutritional needs, deficiencies, and long-term health. My approach is rooted in the belief that simply giving children a nutritious product is not enough; they also need the knowledge to understand why nutrition matters and how it supports growth, energy, and immunity.

Through Gift Nutrition, I run interactive workshops in schools and communities that teach practical topics such as what makes a balanced meal, the importance of protein during adolescence, the risks of highly processed foods, and the difference between feeling full and meeting the body’s actual needs. Sessions are designed to be age-appropriate, simple, and relevant to the foods children can actually afford and find. 

Wherever possible, I will distribute NOURE nutritional bars as part of the learning experience rather than as the main solution. 

The initiative also places special emphasis on adolescent girls by combining nutrition education with open conversations about menstrual health, hygiene, common myths, and when to seek help. I aim to reach around 5,000 students and community members through school programmes, municipal school outreach, and NGO partnerships. My larger goal is to leave children with lasting knowledge they can share at home and use throughout their lives, rather than just a one-time product or lesson.

I aim to raise INR 1 lakh through this campaign to do more workshops in municipal schools and distribute nutritious bars to the students.

Your contribution provides not only nutritious bars for students in municipal schools, but also mind-opening workshops on adolescent health. Please continue supporting this campaign; even if it surpasses the initial goal, additional funds will help us reach more children with both nutrition and essential health education. 

Through strategic partnerships with schools, I will get NOURE to deliver bulk supplies of nutrient-rich protein bars directly to classrooms and youth programs. Focused on combating common nutritional deficiencies in growing children, I provide locally sourced, jowar-based bars packed with essential protein, iron, and calcium, free from refined sugar or artificial additives. 

LOCATION OF THE PARTNER SCHOOLS IN GUJARAT:

For me, this journey is deeply personal; it is fuelled by an enduring passion to reshape how our next generation views, understands, and values everyday nourishment. I see so many young minds held back simply because the vital fundamentals of nutrition are treated as an afterthought rather than a core foundation of life.

That is why I pour my heart and energy into opening up real, engaging conversations within school communities, breaking down the intimidating science of wellness into something relatable, inspiring, and empowering. I don’t just want to hand down rules; I want to ignite a genuine spark of curiosity in every student so that caring for their bodies becomes a natural, joyful instinct. My mission is to build a future where every child is equipped with the awareness and confidence to champion their own lifelong vitality.