Kudumbashree has come up with a new project called ‘Maa Care’ in schools across Kerala. These kiosks will provide children with nutritious snacks, drinks, stationery items, and sanitary napkins within the school premises. The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the General Education Department.

The project began in Kasaragod and Kannur, where it received positive feedback. Now, Maa Care kiosks are being expanded to schools in other districts like Idukki, Pathanamthitta, and Malappuram. These kiosks are being set up in school compounds. If there is an unused classroom, it can also be converted into a Maa Care outlet. Both students and teachers can buy what they need at affordable prices from these kiosks.

One of the main goals of Maa Care is to stop children from going outside the school during class hours to buy snacks or other items. This also helps protect them from junk food and harmful habits, like drug use. The kiosks ensure that students have access to healthy food and safe products without leaving the school.

The project also benefits Kudumbashree members. Women from neighborhood groups are given training to run the kiosks. They also get financial help through Kudumbashree schemes like the Community Enterprise Fund, Linkage Loans, and panchayat project funds.

Maa Care is not just about selling snacks. It is a student welfare and women empowerment initiative. It helps children stay healthy, safe, and focused on their studies. At the same time, it gives Kudumbashree women a chance to earn a steady income.