In remote marginalized villages of Danta and Poshina in Gujarat, tribal families are rewriting the story of nutrition, one meal, one mother, and one Aanganwadi at a time.

When Basic Rights Fell Out of Reach

For generations, tribal families in Danta (Banaskantha) and Poshina (Sabarkantha) lived with poor access to health and nutrition. Aanganwadis when open—were irregular. Government schemes, with key positions often vacant and weak administrative presence, were out of reach. And in recent years, the problems were compounded by worsened economic conditions, increased migration for work and decline in education and Aanganwadi attendance due to prolonged closures. Lack of awareness of help available through the government schemes was also a factor.

A Different Way Forward

Real change began when local communities came together—with help from supporters like you and AID’s partner Janpath—to find lasting solutions, not just short-term fixes. Arogya Sakhis—local women trained from within the community—played a key role in reaching mothers through household visits, building trust and encouraging participation. They led interactive sessions using videos and charts to explain nutrition, vaccination, and basic health. Regular hamlet-level meetings created space to discuss government schemes and gather feedback, while coordination with Aanganwadi workers helped improve transparency and service delivery.

Real Change, One Meal At A Time

Children are now receiving hot, nutritious meals daily—an essential step toward supporting their growth and well-being. On the monthly ‘Mamata Day’, pregnant women received vital health checkups, vaccinations, and nutrition packs to ensure safer pregnancies and healthier outcomes. Through the Faliya Nasta initiative, mothers and children shared warm meals like khichdi and sheera, reinforcing both nutrition and community care in distant hamlets that are away from the Aaganwadis. Entitlement drives have also made a meaningful impact, helping families access essential services—from Aadhaar cards to ration kits—bringing long-overdue support to those who need it most.

Driving Visible Change

Reaching remote tribal communities comes with real challenges—scattered settlements, limited health workers, and passive administrative support. Social factors like migration, early marriage, and alcoholism add to the complexity. Even so, families have been supported in accessing key documents like Aadhaar and ration cards, reclaiming land through debt-relief programs, and receiving emergency ration kits when needed most.

These efforts are driving visible changes: Aanganwadis now run 90% of the time, community participation is rising, and the government’s children’s services are more regular and reliable. There is also growing awareness around hygiene, nutrition, and the myths that often hold families back from making healthy choices.

What’s Next?

Janpath with AID’s support is now working to expand nutrition to more hamlets, start kitchen gardens, promote millets and seasonal foods, and strengthen advocacy efforts. With your support, we can deepen this transformation—and help families grow their own futures.

Your Support Makes This Possible

Your support doesn’t just fund programs—it fuels community resilience. It helps mothers teach one another. It keeps children healthy. It brings dignity back to the dinner plate.

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