Reliance Foundation’s flagship programme, Bharat India Jodo (BIJ), initiated in 2010 is empowering marginalised communities in India by improving their lives and livelihoods. The approach involves empowering communities to take collective action towards sustainable livelihoods while working in the areas of water, food and nutrition, livelihoods and market linkages.
The Reliance Nutrition Garden (RNG) model is a cost effective, scientific and holistic kitchen garden model that meets the dietary requirements of rural households. These RNGs have improved the health and nutritional status of families by providing them with a diverse mix of vegetables, fruits and medicinal plants throughout the year.
The Government of Maharashtra also adopted this model and started its execution in more than 16 districts under Rajmata Jijau Nutrition Mission. This Mission’s aim is to improve the diet of over 2 lakh children. BIJ has also tied up with Asha Workers to manage these RNGs and dietary requirements of the communities. This has resulted in the children having access to nutritious meals every day, thereby improving their health and growth.
Under the same initiative, Ajay Pandey who is associated with Reliance Foundation as a community resource helped 500 families in achieving nutritional self-sufficiency by helping them set up a RNG in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh. Ajay saw how communities in Shahdol district lacked nutritional values and decided to help them.
The Foundation has set-up many RNGs in different villages in India helping the communities there achieve desired nutritional value. It believes that One RNG at a time creates a healthy and sustainable community leading towards a sustainable India. Reliance Foundation celebrated “PoshanMaah” (National Nutrition Month) in September 2021 and an online trend #PoshanEveryday to support such communities.
