New Delhi, Feb 10: With rising concerns about the increasing consumption of unhealthy, ultra-processed foods (UPF) and its link to diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and mental health issues, public health experts emphasize the importance of early education on nutrition. India’s POSHAN Abhiyaan and the FSSAI-led Eat Right School initiative are playing critical roles in promoting balanced diets and sustainable eating habits among children.
The recently released Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights the growing health burden due to UPFs, which are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats but low in essential nutrients. Experts believe that parents, schools, and communities must collaborate to reverse this trend by promoting healthier eating habits among children, ultimately reducing the economic burden of health-related issues and improving national productivity.
The Role of POSHAN Abhiyaan and Eat Right School
“India’s POSHAN Abhiyaan provides a structured framework involving schools, parents, and communities to help children develop healthy eating practices,” said Dr. Anuja Agarwala, Vice President of the Indian Diabetic Association and former nutritionist at AIIMS, New Delhi.
FSSAI’s Eat Right School initiative complements this effort by educating students about balanced diets, food safety, and sustainable eating through engaging activities and workshops. According to Agarwala, this program fosters parental and school collaboration, ensuring that children’s nutrition education extends from the classroom to the home.
POSHAN Abhiyaan: A Comprehensive Nutrition Mission
Launched in March 2018, POSHAN Abhiyaan (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment) focuses on improving nutritional outcomes for key demographic groups, including children under six, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. By addressing early childhood nutrition, it lays the foundation for better lifelong health.
Parent-School Collaboration: The Key to Success
Agarwala emphasized that involving parents in nutrition education is essential to sustaining long-term healthy eating habits. Schools can organize nutrition awareness workshops and cooking demonstrations to engage parents actively. “When parents and teachers collaborate, children not only receive nutritious school meals but also develop healthy eating habits at home,” she said.
Parents can contribute by promoting good hygiene, encouraging handwashing before meals, reducing food wastage, and ensuring overall cleanliness. “When schools, parents, and the community work together, children not only adopt healthy eating practices but also learn the values of hygiene and inclusivity,” Agarwala added.
Incorporating Nutrition into the Curriculum
Dr. Jamuna Prakash, a food consultant and former professor at the University of Mysore’s Department of Food Science and Nutrition, highlighted the importance of integrating nutrition education into school curricula. “Teaching nutrition in schools equips children with knowledge that helps them make informed food choices throughout their lives, preventing issues like malnutrition, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies,” she said.
Prakash pointed to Japan’s Shokuiku (food education) program as a successful example. This program involves local farmers, food producers, and community organizations to teach students about balanced diets, food origins, and healthy eating. Children participate in meal preparation, cleanup, and hands-on nutrition lessons, fostering a deep understanding of food and its impact on their well-being.
Interactive Learning: Gardens and Cooking Classes
Prakash suggested that Indian schools could adopt practical activities such as school gardens and cooking classes to make nutrition lessons more engaging and meaningful. “These activities build a solid foundation and empower children to adopt healthy habits, positively influencing their families and communities,” she said.
Focusing on Early Childhood Nutrition
Agarwala also stressed the importance of addressing nutrition before children enter school. This involves engaging nutritionists during maternal care to promote breastfeeding and proper early feeding practices—core objectives of the POSHAN Abhiyaan. Early intervention helps build a strong nutritional foundation, ensuring better growth and development in children.
By fostering collaborations among schools, parents, and communities, these initiatives aim to create a generation of healthier children who understand the value of good nutrition, hygiene, and sustainability, paving the way for a stronger, healthier India.( With inputs from IANS)