Addressing childhood malnutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic
Dr Shobhana Nagraj
Shobhana Nagraj is a senior collaborator with NNedPro (a Nutrition Research and Education Think Tank) and is a member of the International Association of Nutrition Educators (IANE).
A series of meetings brought together multi-sectoral stakeholders to address childhood malnutrition during and after the pandemic, with a focus on food strategy in Oxfordshire. Local grassroots organisations, academics, scientific & policy experts, local schools, health and social care professionals and civil society organisations in Oxfordshire discussed the systemic issues around childhood malnutrition during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
Detailed report on the first meeting
Shobhana Nagraj (centre, seated) and stakeholders at a meeting at Green Templeton college
The project and its sequels created opportunities for Oxford students to volunteer with local community groups, food banks and sustainable agriculture initiatives, and to participate in hands-on research and data gathering to inform the Food Strategy for Oxfordshire in partnership with Goodfood Oxfordshire and Oxfordshire City Council.
In 2024, work building on this project was shortlisted for the University of Oxford Vice-Chancellor’s Community Partnership Award.
Publications: Childhood Malnutrition: From Grassroots to Policy Action – A Case Study
Listen and Act: Accessing healthy, affordable food for Oxfordshire’s children
