In continuation to the celebrations of National Nutrition Month, the Department of Food and Nutrition of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in collaboration with the Department of Social Security and Development of Women and Children, Punjab created nutrition awareness among vulnerable groups. The celebration aimed at educating people about the importance of balanced diet and good nutrition practices, particularly focusing on women and children. Lecture-cum-demonstrations were organized for pregnant and lactating women in the village Gill, Ludhiana. The anganwadi and health workers also participated in the programme.
Dr Kiran Grover, Head, Department of Food and Nutrition, shared that within families some members are at greater risk than others. “Young children, pregnant and lactating mothers are the most vulnerable groups. It is essential to ensure that these vulnerable groups receive the adequate nutrition to prevent malnutrition and its adverse effects,” she stressed.
Dr Harpreet Kaur, Professor, Food and Nutrition, informed that the participants benefited from hand-on-practice on “Preparation of Nutritious Snacks for Infants and Pre-School Children.” A literature related to Complementary Feeding for Infants and Personal Hygiene was also distributed, she said.
Dr Monika Choudhary, Scientist, Department of Food and Nutrition, deliberated on balanced diet for children. She emphasized that the “First 1,000 Days- from time of conception to first two years of child life” were a period of rapid physical growth and accelerated mental development, and offered a unique opportunity to build lifelong. She also threw light on the nutrition interventions to achieve optimal growth, development and health.
Dr Amarjeet Kaur, Scientist, Department of Food and Nutrition, stressed upon health of pregnant and lactating women. During pregnancy, health, nutrition and stress levels of woman have an effect on child’s future, she added.
During the event, Mrs Bhupinder Kaur, Block Development and Panchayat Officer; Mrs Jaspreet Kaur, District Coordinator, Poshan Abhiyan and Mr Barinder Singh, Block Coordinator, were also present. They appreciated the effort and added that knowledge acquired during the training will also help the workers to educate the communities they serve.
Read more: https://www.pau.edu/index.php?_act=manageEvent&DO=viewEventDetail&dataE=datae&intID=8070
