Renowned Celebrity Chef Amrita Raichand Assumes Role as Health Ambassador for Salaam Bombay Foundation's Preventive Health Education Programme

Celebrity chef, former model, and devoted mother, Amrita Raichand, has embraced a new role as the Health Ambassador for Salaam Bombay Foundation's Preventive Health Education Programme. This initiative aims to deliver essential nutrition education to economically disadvantaged adolescents and communities residing in India's urban slums. Partnering with the NGO, Chef Amrita Raichand endeavors to make a significant impact on the lives of at-risk youth in Mumbai's urban slums, advocating for healthy living and introducing simple, nourishing recipes where they are needed the most. This collaborative effort seeks to empower these young individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed and healthy choices, thereby paving the way for a brighter and healthier future.

A recent report has highlighted a four-fold increase in malnutrition among children in Mumbai's municipal schools, accompanied by a concerning rise in the consumption of junk food. Salaam Bombay Foundation's internal research underscores a growing preference for unhealthy quick meals, with taste cited as the primary reason by 54% of respondents. Additionally, 31% of participants opt for junk food due to its easy availability. The research also identifies households where both parents work as more inclined towards junk food consumption, with breakfast or school tiffin being a common time for such choices. Many children are provided a daily allowance of ₹10-15/- to purchase snacks like biscuits, samosas, or vadas, while others simply carry noodles as part of their tiffin.

Chef Amrita Raichand's collaboration with Salaam Bombay Foundation is timely, addressing the increasing demand for accessible and affordable recipes that promote nutritional awareness. Together, they aim to bridge this gap by offering easy-to-follow recipes catering to both taste and health. Chef Amrita, through creative and replicable recipes, encourages students to experiment with and enjoy global cuisines using affordable and diverse ingredients found in their kitchens. Collaborating closely with Salaam Bombay Foundation's Preventive Health Education Programme, Chef Amrita is dedicated to educating resource-challenged adolescents about the importance of proper nutrition and fitness. Furthermore, she works alongside the Foundation's Health Monitors to inspire and engage communities, with a specific focus on mothers of young students, fostering healthy living and nutrition in an accessible and enjoyable manner.

Expressing her commitment, Chef Amrita Raichand states, "Malnutrition remains a significant challenge, particularly among children from underprivileged sections of our country. Children in Mumbai's slums face even greater hurdles, especially when both parents are working. These young children represent the future citizens of our country. I am grateful to be part of Salaam Bombay Foundation, addressing this issue through education and conducting cooking workshops for both children and their mothers."

Nandina Ramchandran, CEO of Salaam Bombay Foundation, praises Chef Amrita's passion for creating not only creative recipes but also for delivering the message of healthy eating on a budget to resource-challenged communities. The partnership aligns with Salaam Bombay Foundation's mission to expand the Preventive Health Education Programme and establish School Kitchen Gardens in government and government-aided schools nationwide, offering hands-on learning opportunities to students.

This collaboration with Chef Amrita Raichand, celebrated across various platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, signifies a pivotal moment for Salaam Bombay Foundation as they anticipate the positive impact resulting from their joint efforts.