UP to Launch ‘Recipe-Based’ Nutrition Plan for Children and Pregnant Women; ₹301 Crore Fund Approved

Lucknow | 11 March 2026 The government of Uttar Pradesh is preparing to introduce a new nutrition programme for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers through Anganwadi centres starting in April. Under this initiative, beneficiaries will receive specially designed “recipe-based” supplementary nutrition aimed at improving overall health and reducing malnutrition. With this step, Uttar Pradesh will become the first state in the country to implement such a system under the National Food Security Act, 2013. To make the distribution process transparent and efficient, the government will use a “face recognition system” for the delivery of supplementary nutrition. Authorities have made it clear that offline distribution will no longer be valid, and only the FRS-based system will be accepted. Officials believe this digital approach will help ensure that nutrition reaches the intended beneficiaries without irregularities. The programme has been designed to provide nutritious meals to different groups based on age and health requirements. Children between six months and one year will receive sweet wheat and gram flour halwa, while children aged one to three years will also be provided a similar nutritious dish. For children between three and six years, the menu will include sweet wheat-gram flour barfi along with a savory porridge made from grains, moong and soy. Pregnant and lactating women will receive specially prepared barfi and protein-rich khichdi to support their nutritional needs. For severely malnourished children, additional nutritious options such as “Bal Sanjeevani” halwa and fortified porridge have also been included. To support the smooth implementation of the scheme, the state cabinet has approved a viability gap fund of ₹301.19 crore. This financial assistance will help production units operating under the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission continue supplying quality nutrition without facing financial pressure. Officials said the fund will ensure that beneficiaries consistently receive high-quality “Take Home Ration (THR)” without compromising nutritional UP to Launch ‘Recipe-Based’ Nutrition Plan for Children and Pregnant Women; ₹301 Crore Fund Approved The government of Uttar Pradesh is preparing to introduce a new nutrition programme for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers through Anganwadi centres starting in April. Under this initiative, beneficiaries will receive specially designed “recipe-based” supplementary nutrition aimed at improving overall health and reducing malnutrition. With this step, Uttar Pradesh will become the first state in the country to implement such a system under the National Food Security Act, 2013. To make the distribution process transparent and efficient, the government will use a “face recognition system” for the delivery of supplementary nutrition. Authorities have made it clear that offline distribution will no longer be valid, and only the FRS-based system will be accepted. Officials believe this digital approach will help ensure that nutrition reaches the intended beneficiaries without irregularities. The programme has been designed to provide nutritious meals to different groups based on age and health requirements. Children between six months and one year will receive sweet wheat and gram flour halwa, while children aged one to three years will also be provided a similar nutritious dish. For children between three and six years, the menu will include sweet wheat-gram flour barfi along with a savory porridge made from grains, moong and soy. Pregnant and lactating women will receive specially prepared barfi and protein-rich khichdi to support their nutritional needs. For severely malnourished children, additional nutritious options such as “Bal Sanjeevani” halwa and fortified porridge have also been included. To support the smooth implementation of the scheme, the state cabinet has approved a viability gap fund of ₹301.19 crore. This financial assistance will help production units operating under the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission continue supplying quality nutrition without facing financial pressure. Officials said the fund will ensure that beneficiaries consistently receive high-quality “Take Home Ration (THR)” without compromising nutritional standards.