The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) supplementary nutrition component provides take-home rations to which beneficiary group, and the caloric supplement target for a severely malnourished child (SAM) differs from a normally nourished child by:

• A Pregnant women and children 6–72 months; SAM children receive 800 kcal vs 500 kcal for normal children
• B All children under 14 years; same supplement regardless of nutrition status
• C Children 3–6 years only; SAM children receive therapeutic food separate from ICDS
• D Children 0–6 years, pregnant and lactating women; SAM children receive 800 kcal + 20 g protein vs 500 kcal + 12 g for normal ✓

Explanation

ICDS supplementary nutrition targets children 0–6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers. For normal/mildly malnourished children the supplement provides 500 kcal + 12–15 g protein/day; for severely malnourished children the supplement is enhanced to 800 kcal + 20–25 g protein/day. This stepped approach is codified in MoWCD guidelines. Take-home rations (THR) are provided for 0–3 year olds; hot-cooked meals are served at Anganwadi centres for 3–6 year olds.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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