Dubai Municipality has announced the launch of its ‘Promoting Healthy Nutrition in Educational Institutions’ initiative, aimed at reaching over 300,000 students in schools across the emirate.
The initiative, it shared, is focused on assisting educational institutions across Dubai to change their approach to school meals, offering students nutritional food options in canteens and cafeterias.
Designed as a learning management and empowerment system for school students, it offers a comprehensive digital learning experience that is accessible from anywhere, comprising complete e-content on nutrition, food safety and sustainable consumption, along with interactive games and tools to evaluate learning progress.
These tools can be used by teachers to educate students as well as staff of food companies.
In the year ahead, Dubai Municipality will also provide a specialised training course for users to ensure that schools can use these systems efficiently.
The program will see nutritionists collaborate with these institutions to reevaluate their food offerings, aimed at prioritising nutrient-dense food that supports both physical and cognitive development of children and young people.
Speaking about the launch of the initiative, Sultan Al Taher, Director of Food Safety Department of Dubai Municipality, said: “The initiative is a proactive move for educational institutions, as promotes the adoption of sustainable and healthy food system to raise healthy future generations. It further aims to reinforce their diet and lifestyles, by recognising nutrition’s critical role in various stages of children’s development. Furthermore, the initiative is an important part of Dubai Municipality’s attempts to create a sustainable food environment and proactively shield the populace from the risks associated with malnutrition, thereby improving the standard of living in the emirate.”
“We have conducted a survey to understand the nutritional and behavioural requirements of all groups including students, teachers, parents, and food suppliers to schools. In order to create meals that satisfy the nutritional guidelines and requirements of children and young adults, experts and nutritionists will work with school canteens. This move towards better nutrition options aims to foster healthy eating habits at a young age, paving the way for long-term and integrated food options,” Al Taher added.
Dubai Municipality has also organised various interactive lectures, workshops, and activities to identify the link between food choices, health, and the environment, held in collaboration with nutrition and environmental sciences experts.
The sessions targeted an inclusive sample from all educational institutions, including schools, universities, and nurseries in the Emirate of Dubai.
Further, it has conducted activities and workshops at schools, featuring over 300 participants from different social groups.
These initiatives aim to increase students’ understanding of the importance of recycling, reducing food waste, and incorporating eco-friendly practices into daily life to create a more sustainable future.