A survey was conducted to assess the nutritional status of children (0-6 years) among 40
Anganwadis in 4 districts of Kerala State registered under the ICDS scheme. A selfprepared
structured interview schedule was used to collect qualitative information for the
study. Anthropometric measures which included height and weight were used for assessing
nutritional status of the children. The stepwise analysis of two variables height for age and
weight for age was applicable on the basis of Waterlow’s and Gomez’ classification. To
examine the relationship between nutritional status of the child and selected variable that
affects nutritional status of children, Chi-square test was employed. Based on Gomez’
classification, out of 400 children, only 300 (75.0%) of children received supplementary
nutrition through ICDS out of which 250 (83.3%) children were normal and 50 (16.7%)
were underweight. Based on Waterlow’s classification out of 400 children, only 290
(72.5%) of children received supplementary nutrition through ICDS; out of these children
200 (69.0 %) were normal while 90 (31.0%) were stunted. It can thus be concluded that
supplementary nutrition through ICDS improved the nutritional status of children surveyed.