Building strong foundations: Nutrition and NEP 2020
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 stands as a cornerstone of change, reimagining learning through a holistic and multidisciplinary approach. Among its many forward-thinking provisions, the policy places a strong emphasis on integrating nutrition education into the curriculum, acknowledging its fundamental role in shaping students' overall well-being. While significant efforts have been made to improve access to nutrition, integrating nutrition education remains key to ensuring sustainable health outcomes.
Malnutrition undermines individual health and takes a significant economic toll, draining 2-3% of a country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The impact is even more pronounced in the South-East Asia region, where many countries are now grappling with a triple burden of malnutrition--undernutrition (stunting and wasting), overnutrition (overweight and obesity), and micronutrient deficiencies (hidden hunger).
Government initiatives like POSHAN Abhiyaan or the National Nutrition Mission, PM POSHAN and Poshan Tracker are a step in the right direction towards diminishing malnutrition. While these efforts have laid a strong foundation for addressing immediate nutritional deficiencies, the focus must now build on this progress to meet evolving challenges. With the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) highlighting a rise in childhood obesity and lifestyle diseases, the time is ripe to strengthen these efforts by integrating structured nutrition education--empowering future generations to make informed choices for lifelong health and well-being.
However, effectively implementing nutrition education comes with its own set of challenges. A well-rounded approach to nutrition in schools requires standardised resources, skilled educators, and inclusive curriculum frameworks that cater to the diverse dietary needs of children. These needs are influenced by factors such as geography, socio-economic background, and genetic predisposition, highlighting the importance of a tailored yet structured strategy in nutrition education. A uniform approach to nutrition education is unlikely to be effective. For instance, while millets can be a staple in some regions, affordability and accessibility may pose challenges elsewhere. This underscores the need for collaboration among educators, policymakers, nutritionists, and other stakeholders to develop adaptable, region-specific modules that align with cultural and economic realities.
The knock-on effect of nutrition education extends far beyond the classroom, influencing household dietary habits and community-level food choices. Students often serve as conduits of knowledge, passing on what they learn to their families and shaping household consumption patterns. This whole-of-society approach ensures that nutritional interventions at the school level contribute to broader public health improvements.
This article is authored by Archana Sinha, co-founder and CEO, Nourishing Schools Foundation (NSF) and Pawan Aggarwal, CEO, Food Future Foundation.
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