This report examines how women’s self-help groups (SHGs) in Bihar, India, are enhancing food security and nutrition resilience through the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program. These groups produce and distribute nutritious food, strengthening local food systems and empowering women economically.
Key findings:
Bihar has some of the highest malnutrition rates in India, with 48% of children under five stunted and 24% of women underweight.
SHGs are engaged in decentralized production of Take-Home Rations (THR) for ICDS, improving local access to fortified foods.
This model creates employment for rural women while enhancing community ownership of nutrition programs.
Challenges include ensuring quality control, strengthening supply chains, and maintaining transparency in THR distribution.
GAIN and partners provide technical support, training in hygiene and manufacturing practices, and improved THR formulations.
This study highlights how SHGs can play a critical role in improving nutrition outcomes, especially in rural and underserved areas.
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