Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Apr 1: The tiny tots always enjoy going to anganwadi, as it is a place where they can spend time playing with toys and other children. Usually, they spend half of their day at anganwadi, ending it with consuming delicious food.

However, for the past couple of months, these young children have been hesitant to attend Anganwadi due to the food provided, which is not suitable for the tiny tots of Dakshina Kannada (DK) district. Children in the anganwadi are experiencing health issues due to the food provided.

Previously, the government used to provide food items like rice, ingredients for sambar, chikki, and eggs, which attracted a large number of children to Anganwadi.

However, in the last couple of months, there have been changes in the food menu supplied to anganwadi, such as Sihi Pongal, Godhi Uppittu, and Millet Laddu, which are not suitable for the tiny tots of the district who prefer rice and sambar.

Anganwadi representatives are hopeful that the menu will revert to the normal one in April-May.

When Sihi Pongal and Godhi Uppittu are prepared, children refuse to consume it, and parents are concerned about their children facing health issues such as vomiting and stomach aches. The prepared food often goes to waste as children don't even touch it.

As a temporary solution, parents have decided to send tiffin with their children until the menu returns to including rice and sambar. Some parents even donate rice and vegetables, which are prepared at anganwadi for the children.

This month, anganwadi received milk powder, but no sugar was provided. Some parents also allege that students refuse to attend anganwadi due to food issues, as the tiffin food turns cold to eat during the noon, posing another challenge for the children, as hot food is provided at anganwadi.