Vision-2031: Kerala plans nutrition-focused policy to address obesity, diet gaps
Alappuzha: Kerala plans to take its food security mission a step further by formulating a policy that prioritises public nutrition. The initiative comes amid growing concerns over rising obesity rates and inadequate nutritional intake among the population.
As part of the initiative, a list of essential nutritional foods will be prepared for various groups, including tribal communities, pregnant and lactating mothers, children, the elderly, and fishery workers. Furthermore, age-appropriate diet plans will also be established.
The state aims to make school midday meals more nutritious by including milk, eggs, meat, small grains, and pulses. Subhiksha Hotels, which provide subsidised food, will be scaled up and structured to deliver free meals to beneficiaries at home if required. The initiative emphasises access to healthy food rather than just rice-based meals, evolving the concept from “food as a right” to “nutrition as a right.”
The nutrition policy is being drafted under the Vision-2031 initiative of the Kerala Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the state formation. A three-member committee has been tasked with preparing a draft proposal within a week.
The committee comprises the Chairman of the Food Commission, the Commissioner of Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, and Thomas Joseph Thoomkuzhy, visiting professor at the Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation (GIFT), Thiruvananthapuram.
The policy is being formulated in response to rising obesity due to excessive rice and calorie consumption, micronutrient deficiencies causing anaemia and stunted growth, and high malnutrition-related health problems in areas of Malappuram, Palakkad, and Idukki districts.
Minister for Food and Civil Supplies GR Anil said the state currently leads in food security, and achieving nutritional security would mark a significant milestone. Implementation plans will be finalised after the committee submits its recommendations.