The Nutri-Connect 1.0 programme held by Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition (FSMP), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) at Kampung Libang, Ranau recently was an effort by the university to enhance healthy eating education among the communities.
According to the FSMP Head of Nutrition Programme, Dr Norliyana Aris, the programme was aimed to provide nutrition education to bring about healthier and happier communities, as well as to offer hands-on learning experiences to the students.
“It is in line with the strategy of the National Nutrition Policy 2.0 which aims to empower individuals, families, and communities as agents of change and take ownership of their nutritional well-being.
“Various activities were conducted, including nutrition screening, nutrition counselling, healthy plate and food pyramid education, physical activity challenge, guess the sugar in drinks and salt in food, and healthy cooking, which took part by more than 50 participants from all age groups, women and men,” she said.
She added that the programme gets positive response from the villagers, where they mention that such activities provided knowledge and raised awareness, and hope that the programme will be conducted continuously in the future.
“Hence, we aim to empower the community to become Health Nutrition Ambassadors in Nutri-Connect 2.0 in the future.
“Participants will be invited to Train-the-Trainers activities which will provide knowledge and skills for a healthy lifestyle and sustainable nutrition,” says Dr Norliyana.
Meanwhile, the programme coordinator, Dr. Noor Atiqah Aizan Abdul Kadir, who also hails from Ranau, pointed out that healthy food is the foundation for good health and wellbeing.
“This programme provided insights into self and family care through good nutrition which takes into account local culture.
“We hope that this programme is beneficial to the community in Kampung Libang, Ranau, to bring about healthier eating and a positive impact on their health and wellbeing,” she said.
Also involved in the programme, Nutrition Programme lecturers, Dr. Nur Hanisah Azmi, and Dr. Ramlah George @ Mohd Rosli, as well as 28 Nutrition students who also conduct the activities throughout the programme.
