"Food and Nutrition" Calls for Investment on World Food Day to Improve School Nutrition
Amman3 min read
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The Jordanian Food and Nutrition Association emphasized the importance of investing in the World Food Day, which falls on Friday under the theme "Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow," in the health and nutrition of school students, considering it a direct investment in the health of future generations and their educational capabilities, and a key pillar for enhancing food security and sustainable development in the Kingdom.
The Association said in a statement issued today, Friday, that providing healthy and balanced food for students, and promoting awareness of healthy eating habits from early educational stages, require the integration of efforts between government, educational, and health institutions, the private sector, and civil society organizations.
The Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Bassem Abu Bakr, pointed out that investment in school nutrition should not be limited to providing meals, but should also include improving their quality and nutritional value, ensuring the availability of healthy options at reasonable prices, and developing school cafeterias to encourage students to choose balanced foods instead of overindulging in fast food, sugary drinks, and high-fat and sugary foods.
He stressed the importance of integrating healthy nutrition concepts into school curricula and awareness activities in schools and universities, which contributes to building nutritional awareness among students and encourages them to adopt healthy behaviors that extend their effects to their families and communities, affirming that the school represents a fundamental environment for establishing healthy eating habits and preventing health problems related to nutrition.
He called for enhancing the partnership between the Ministries of Education and Human Resource Development, Health, and relevant authorities to develop sustainable school nutrition programs, provide a safe and healthy food environment, alongside training the staff responsible for preparing and serving food, and monitoring compliance with food safety and quality standards.
The statement emphasized the importance of reducing food waste and spreading environmental awareness in schools, institutions, and society, promoting the rational use of water, soil, and natural resources, supporting initiatives that contribute to providing food for less fortunate groups and remote areas, and improving the nutritional value of meals provided in orphanages, elderly care homes, and for people with disabilities.
The Association also called for supporting national food production and encouraging smart agriculture and integrated food industries, which enhances the Kingdom's ability to achieve higher levels of food self-sufficiency, supports resource sustainability, and links human health with environmental safety.
The Association affirmed that World Food Day represents an opportunity to renew the national commitment to making healthy food a right available to all, and to give school students priority in food programs and investments, through practical policies that ensure the quality, safety, and affordability of food.
