Healthy Food Campaign at Schools

This program aims at decreasing the prevalence of overweight and obesity within the students of public schools and increasing their nutrition knowledge. Interactive nutrition lessons are provided to 4th grade students covering an array of topics such as "My Pyramid for Kids" , how to adopt healthy food choices and the importance of physical activity. Open discussion sessions are also held with parents to provide them with nutrition information and practical tips to use.

During the Academic year 2010-2011, Ajialouna Association decided to tackle the childhood obesity phenomenon. The pilot study was conducted in one public School in Beirut where around 32% of the students were overweight or obese, and this rate is considered very alarming.

The best way to do so was through continuous classroom education rather than just educating the parents.

After an extensive literature review, My Pyramid for Kids, developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), was chosen as the basis of the lessons since it targets children from 6 till 11 years old, it is based on scientific evidence, and it highlights the importance of both healthy eating and physical activity (Peregrin, 2006). Some ideas were taken from MyPyramid for Kids lessons and were adapted in order to fit the objectives put by the Ministry of Education and Higher Learning, and be culturally relevant to the Lebanese society.

A total of seven Arabic lesson plans were designed for grade 4 students; a student’s version and a teachers’ version of each. The lessons were interactive, involving group work and skills learning.

The result of this project was the increasing awareness for children.

This year Ajialouna is proposing a similar program to be implemented in 30 public schools.

For more information please contact Ajialouna 01-304472 extension 1607.