This study explores the nutrition challenges faced by tea plantation workers in Assam, India, and assesses the impact of a public-private nutrition program. The initiative, led by GAIN in collaboration with Ethical Tea Partnership and seven tea companies, aimed to improve dietary diversity and increase access to fortified foods through behavior change campaigns and improved supply chains. The project reached 160,000 workers across 110 tea estates and introduced innovative access models such as Healthy Line Shops (HLS) and door-to-door sales by local women entrepreneurs.
Key findings:
Fortified oil consumption increased by 20%.
Dietary diversity improved, with a 28% rise in the proportion of women meeting the minimum dietary diversity requirement.
Healthy Line Shops (HLS) increased food access, while door-to-door sales empowered local women as "Nutrition Champions".
photo: canva