The level of hunger and deprivation among the mothers and children in rural and tribal regions of India is unimaginable. National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 4 reveals that one of the highest incidences of underweight children is under the age of 5 years in Maharashtra.
CEI’s grassroots team conducted a primary survey to identify the most vulnerable sections of rural society who are in urgent need of assistance.
A fact to note here is that the families with ration cards are allowed to purchase only rice and flour at government subsidized rates. Other cooking essentials such as cooking oil, vegetables/pulses are not given to PDS ration cardholders. These have to be purchased at normal market rates which are beyond their budget. Therefore, CEI is providing sufficient food grains, vegetables among other things.
CEI is prioritizing those groups who don’t have ration cards or any other government document. Several aged people whose children and grandchildren have migrated in other districts and states are at a complete loss of resources, particularly the aged women, tribal widows, etc. who are living all by themselves in this time of crisis.
The Food Aid Programme makes available food items including vegetables, pulses, and other necessary food items which were not even available during normal times to these tribal and rural communities.
CEI regularly gets letters from local government officials requesting to help them in the last-mile delivery of essential food and medical supplies in various villages. For successfully carrying out the Food Aid Programme,
CEI has received several Letters of Appreciation from Village Panchayat Administrations.
Through various Empowerment Initiatives like Horticulture Organic Farming, Kitchen Gardens etc, CEI is ensuring food security, nutritional security and livelihood for the poorest sections of the society.