The report reveals severe child food poverty (CFP), defined as children’s inability to access and consume a nutritious and diverse diet in early childhood (first five years of life), globally.
Key findings
- Prevalence: ~27%children live in severe CFP, globally.
- In India, 40% of children suffer from severe CFP (2nd highest burden in South Asia after Afghanistan).
- Poor Diet: Unhealthy foods are becoming entrenched in children’s diets replacing nutrient-rich foods.
- Income and CFP: Severe CFP affects children in both poor and non-poor households, indicating income is not the only driving factor.
- Causes: Growing inequities, conflict and climate crises, combined with rising food prices, the overabundance of unhealthy foods, harmful food marketing strategies and poor child-feeding practices.
Recommendations
- Strengthen data systems to assess the severity of CFP.
- Transform food systems to make nutritious foods accessible, affordable and desirable option for feeding young children.
- Leverage health systems to deliver essential nutrition services, including counselling on child feeding.
India’s initiative
- Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 focuses on maternal nutrition, infant and young child feeding norms, etc.
- Introducing millets in Mid-Day Meal Scheme (renamed as 'PM Poshan' scheme).
Measurement of CFPTo meet the minimum dietary diversity for healthy growth and development, children need to consume foods from at least five out of the eight defined groups.  |