Launched in 2021 in Savala village, Pune district, the Food is Medicine – Kitchen Garden Initiative addresses malnutrition and health issues among marginalized women. Engaging 169 women from Katkari and Mahadevkoli communities, the program promotes organic gardening, traditional vegetables, and sustainable nutrition practices. Nearly 600 indirect beneficiaries, including families and children, benefit from improved health and food security.
The initiative encourages women to grow vegetables year-round, revive indigenous seeds, and adopt sustainable agriculture techniques. Beyond nutrition, it empowers women economically by enabling them to sell surplus produce and start micro-enterprises. Men are also involved in household nutrition practices, fostering shared responsibility and strengthening family dynamics.
The program emphasizes education on health, diet, and environmental sustainability, encouraging women to emerge as community leaders. By integrating nutrition, empowerment, and sustainability, the initiative demonstrates a holistic model to combat malnutrition and build resilience in marginalized communities.
