"The success of each nutrition unit lies not only in the meals served but also in our understanding of the community’s needs—this informs our approach to sourcing, staffing, and sustaining the initiative in a meaningful way."
The Nisagini 7.0 project was launched with the primary goal of relieving hunger in the community—blending empathy, insight, and a call to action, while ensuring sustainable livelihoods. The third phase of this initiative, titled "පෝෂණීය නව මගක්", was dedicated to implementing programs that address hunger across all age groups and raise awareness about healthy lifestyles, with a special focus on combating malnutrition among school children. This phase was implemented on April 29, 2025, at Thoranakada Dharmaraja Vidyalaya, Ratnapura.
A key component of this phase involved selecting a suitable school and equipping it to establish a dedicated unit called "පෝෂණ හල". This unit serves nutritious, locally sourced meals to students at affordable prices. At the same time, it promotes the consumption of wholesome traditional foods over instant options and encourages students not to skip breakfast—reinforcing the importance of a balanced diet.
With the invaluable support and guidance of the school principal, Mr. Shantha Bandaranayake, we meticulously planned the setup of the unit and secured reliable suppliers. On the day of the project, we were thrilled to serve Kurakkan Kanda to the entire school community, including teachers, academic, and non-academic staff. During this phase, we also provided essential equipment to ensure the continued operation of the unit, including a boiler, gas cooker, and name board.
It not only supports healthy eating habits but also fosters a sense of inclusivity and shared well-being within the school environment. Importantly, the unit is managed by a low-income individual, creating an opportunity for sustainable income generation while promoting community ownership. This model not only addresses child malnutrition through daily access to nutritious traditional meals but also strengthens food security, encourages lifelong healthy habits, and nurtures a collective sense of responsibility across the school community, ensuring the project’s long-term impact and relevance.
- By Leo Imashi Gunarathne -
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