Nourishing Bodies. Nurturing Futures.

CWM
3 hours ago
1 min read

INDIA

Every child deserves a full stomach and a fair chance at education. The India Meal Day Program is a life-changing initiative which ensures just that for thousands of underprivileged children in the Diocese of Bhagalpur, located in Bihar and Jharkhand—two of the poorest regions in India.

Led by Fr. Thomas N.M., Parish Priest at St. Benedict's Church in Bhagalpur, and in partnership with the Bhagalpur Prefecture Association, this program brings hope to some of India’s most vulnerable communities. With a deep commitment to holistic care, the Diocese supports thousands of families through Catholic Education and faith formation.

The Need

Hunger and poverty are daily struggles for families in the rural villages of Bihar and Jharkhand. Many parents, unable to provide daily meals, are forced to migrate in search of work and children often drop out of school to help at home.

To combat this crisis, the Diocese launched MANNA, a mid-day meal program providing essential nutrition to over 17,600 children across remote parish schools. However, due to funding constraints, the program's continuity is at risk.

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat…" – Matthew 25:35

By addressing hunger, we open the doors of education and plant seeds of transformation.

With deep faith and the generous support of a CWM supporter, Father Thomas NM a Parish Priest in St. Benedict has initiated MANNA —a Midday Meal Programme. Many are unable to attend class simply because they are hungry.