By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 28: The North East Society for Agroecology Support (NESFAS) presented its initiative on improving child health through indigenous school meals at the Rome Nutrition Week, held from May 25–28 at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquarters.
Represented by Executive Director Pius Ranee and Founding Chairperson Phrang Roy, NESFAS was invited by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to share its model on a global stage.
The project was developed following research by NESFAS in collaboration with McGill University and the National Institute of Nutrition. The study revealed that despite the region’s high biodiversity, 31% of school children were undernourished and 57% were underweight.
To address these nutritional gaps, NESFAS began integrating locally sourced foods and wild edibles into school mid-day meals. Initially piloted in 11 schools in 2022, the programme has since expanded to 26 schools, benefiting more than 2,000 children. Speaking at the event, Pius Ranee highlighted the collective effort of parents, teachers, and local farmers. He noted that while farmers have gained new market opportunities, parents actively contribute produce from their own kitchen gardens. Ranee also pointed out that the inclusion of wild leafy greens in meals has shown potential in addressing health issues such as anaemia.
NESFAS now aims to scale the initiative across the state through stronger collaboration with government departments and local communities.
The session was chaired by Elissa A. Golberg, Canada’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Agencies.
