School Nutrition & Learning Support Program — Mahishawadagi Schools

Overview: The Zero Point Upadhye Foundation’s School Nutrition & Learning Support Program is designed to address immediate nutritional needs and remove barriers to learning for children attending government and community schools around Mahishawadagi (Tq. Athani, Belagavi). By combining wholesome meals with essential learning materials and hygiene support, the program aims to create a safer, healthier and more focused learning environment. What donations will support: - Nutritious school meals prepared locally with fresh ingredients sourced from nearby markets and farmers. - Safe food storage and simple kitchen improvements (utensils, insulated containers, basic hygiene supplies) to ensure meals are prepared and served safely. - Learning support kits that include notebooks, pencils, erasers and basic stationery, distributed where families need assistance to buy supplies for the school year. - Hygiene and sanitation supplies such as soap, handwashing stations (where feasible), and awareness materials to reduce illness and improve attendance. - Community engagement and capacity building: training and guidance for community volunteers and school staff on safe food handling, simple meal planning using local ingredients, and ways to support children’s learning at home. Implementation approach: The program will operate in close coordination with local schools, parents, and community volunteers in Mahishawadagi and surrounding villages. Activities will be implemented with sensitivity to local food preferences and cultural practices. Regular meal schedules and distribution of learning kits will be organized with school administrators to minimize disruption and ensure fairness. Transparency and reporting: Donors will receive program updates, including narrative reports and photographs (with appropriate consent), describing activities, procurement practices, and lessons learned. Financial use of donated funds will be recorded and shared as part of periodic updates to supporters to promote transparency. Why this matters: Access to regular nutritious food and basic learning materials helps children concentrate in class, improves resilience to illness, and reduces stress on families struggling to meet educational costs. Supporting both nutrition and learning together helps create conditions for children to remain in school and benefit from education. How you can help: - Make a one-time donation to support meals or learning kits. - Choose a recurring gift to provide sustained support for the program. - Donate in-kind items (stationery or hygiene supplies) after coordinating with the foundation to ensure needs and specifications are met. Note: Program details such as specific school selection, item lists for kits, and schedules are planned in consultation with local communities and will be refined during implementation. Any images shared in updates will be used with consent. Suggested/draft testimonial or case-study content will be prepared only after consent from families and institutions.