Supplementary Nutrition is one of the six services provided under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme which is primarily designed to bridge the gap between the Recommended Dietary Allowance (FDA) and the Average Daily Intake (ADI). Supplementary Nutrition is given to children (6 months – 6 years) and pregnant and lactating mothers under the ICDS Scheme.
Children in the age group of 6 months to 3 years: Food supplement of 500 calories of energy and 12-15 gms. of Protein per child per day as Take Home Ration (THR) in the form of Micronutrient Fortified Food and/or energy-dense food marked as ‘ICDS Food Supplement’.
Children in the age group of 3-6 years: Food supplement of 500 calories of energy and 12-15 gms of Protein per child per day. Since a child of this age group is not capable of consuming of a meal of 500 calories in one sitting, the guidelines prescribed provision of a morning snack in the form of milk/banana/seasonal fruits/Micronutrient Fortified Food etc. and a Hot Cooked Meal.
Severely underweight children: Food supplement of 800 calories of energy and 20-25 gms of Protein per child per day in the form of Micronutrient fortified and/or energy-dense food as Take Home Ration.
Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers: Food supplement of 600 calories of energy and 18-20 gms of Protein per day in the form of Micronutrient Fortified Food and/or energy-dense food as Take Home Ration.