On October 29, St. Thomas College, Matale, became the venue for an inspiring initiative aimed at promoting vegetable consumption among schoolchildren. Organized as a part of the JICA SHEP & SSC project’s supply chain action plan, this nutrition education program targeted Grade 9 students and teachers, marking a significant step in fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of vegetables in daily diets.
The main goal of the program was to raise awareness about the nutritional value of vegetables, encouraging students to embrace them as an essential part of their diet. By fostering awareness at the grassroots level, the initiative aims to inspire changes that reach families and communities, contributing to the development of a sustainable vegetable supply chain.
The success of this initiative was built on the collaborative efforts of the Women’s Agricultural Extension Unit, the Food Research Unit, and the Keels Institute. The program included both informative sessions and hands-on cooking sessions, aimed at giving students with a comprehensive understanding of the nutritional value of vegetables.
During the sessions, students had the opportunity to move beyond traditional Sri Lankan vegetable dishes and explore innovative ways of preparing meals using vegetables. This creative approach succeeded in generating a new level of excitement and attraction toward vegetable consumption among the participants. These activities not only deepened students’ understanding of the value of vegetables but also inspired them to think creatively about incorporating them into their diets.
Building on the success of this pilot initiative, plans are already in progress to extend the program to other schools across Sri Lanka. The JICA SHEP & SSC project aims to strengthen the supply chain by promoting vegetable consumption among Sri Lankans, encouraging them to appreciate vegetables not only for their taste but also for their essential contributions to health and well-being. This initiative represents more than just a program—it is a transformative movement towards creating a healthier future for Sri Lanka!
