Malnutrition is a critical determinant of morbidity in children in resource-poor countries. 45 % of all deaths in children under five years of age are associated with malnutrition. The ASHWINI health network has worked with the Adivasis (indigenous people) of Tamil Nadu, India, for over 30 years, but has observed an increase in under-5 severe malnutrition from 3% to 8 % since 2005. The rise is alarming, given that the childhood malnutrition rate reduced from 25 % to 2% between 1990 and 2005, with systematic community-based interventions. Alcohol consumption has risen 15% annually since 2005 in Tamil Nadu, in parallel with the rise in malnutrition.The prevalence of moderate-severe depression among Adivasi women is upwards of 20 %. Anecdotal evidence suggests that male alcohol consumption contributes to depression among Adivasi women. Furthermore, we believe that maternal depression may be a contributor to childhood malnutrition. We present a case-control study, quantifying alcohol paternal alcohol consumption among Adivasi men with the standardized AUDIT questionnaire, and maternal depression using the PHQ-9 questionnaire, in both cases and matched controls, using the existing system of community health workers, to gather the data. Demonstrating an association would help redesign intervention measures and influence government policy on tackling the alcohol abuse and mental health epidemic.