Empowering Educators to Foster Healthy Eating Habits in Children through Food Education

Healthy eating habits start early, and teachers also play a crucial role in shaping children’s relationship with food. Recently, O Sentai was invited to hold a food education workshop for teachers in an education center, who dedicated to improving children’s nutrition and growth. This workshop aimed to equip educators with practical knowledge and method to bring food education into daily classroom life, helping children develop habits that support their well-being and learning。

Opening session with the Founder of O Sentai (CY)

Understanding the Link Between Food and Daily Life

Food is more than just fuel, it participates in children’s daily lives through many aspects. The food choices children make every day directly affect their growth and development. Recognizing this connection helps educators understand why food education is important and why it should be introduced at a young age.

During the session, the current nutritional status and eating habits of children were shared, revealing that malnutrition, particularly stunting remains a serious issue in the country. Introducing food education can help children build a healthy understanding of food, while also connecting it to cultural traditions and environmental awareness. This knowledge empowers educators to support healthy eating habits and integrate food education into their teaching approach.

Addressing Real Eating Habits with Q&A

One of the most valuable parts of the session was the Q&A segment focused on children’s real-life eating habits. Teachers shared common challenges such as picky eating, skipping meals, and specific food preferences or habits. O Sentai responded by offering suggestions and strategies to help address these issues.

For example, teachers discussed ways to encourage children to try new vegetables by involving them in food preparation, introducing creative recipes (such as cutting ingredients into smaller pieces and mixing them with other foods), and explaining how food travels from farm to table to help children appreciate their meals and reduce food waste. This interactive exchange helped teachers feel more confident in managing nutrition-related questions and concerns from both students and parents.

Exploring the Food Pyramid and Healthy Plates

A key tool, that commonly used in food education introduced during the session was the food pyramid and the concept of healthy plates. While these dietary guidelines are familiar to many people, they are often overlooked or not fully understood. This session encouraged teachers to revisit these concepts, deepen their understanding, and apply the knowledge in practical ways. The food pyramid explains the types of foods needed for daily intake, along with appropriate portion sizes.

This knowledge can then be passed on to children, helping them develop healthy eating habits from a young age. Practical examples included classroom activities where children create their own healthy plates using pictures or real food samples. This hands-on approach makes nutrition lessons more engaging and memorable, reinforcing the importance of balanced meals.

Teachers’ Dedication and Engagement

Throughout the course, the dedication of the teachers was clear. Their eagerness to learn and apply food education showed a genuine commitment to children’s health. Many expressed how this training gave them new idea and motivation to make a difference.

This enthusiasm is vital because teachers influence children’s habits not only through lessons but also through the example they set. When educators value nutrition, children are more likely to adopt those values themselves.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Food Education

O Sentai hopes this workshop marks the beginning of a broader effort to bring food education into more classrooms and communities. By helping teachers build strong foundations in nutrition, more children can grow up with healthy habits that support their physical and mental development.

The goal is to create a ripple effect: well-informed teachers inspire children, who then influence their families and communities. This approach reconnects people with the benefits of real, balanced diets and encourages lifelong healthy choices.