Impact of School Nutrition Garden on the Nutrient Intake of Children

Abstract

Aims: The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of school nutrition garden on the micronutrient intake of children, to combat micronutrient deficiency among children and to increase in ability and interest in incorporating healthier foods. Sample: The study was conducted over two year of period at fourteen selected Higher Primary School and High schools of Raichur and Bagalkot taluka covering both public and private schools. The nutrients supplied by the cultivated vegetables were computed using Nutritive Value of Indian Foods [8] using the and were compared with amount of Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Study Design: Cross sectional. Place and Duration of Study: Raichur and Bagalkot district of Karntaka state during 2015-16 and 2016-17. Methodology: Cross sectional design was adopted and schools were selected on the availability of the place, water and willingness of teachers to maintain the garden with the help of children even during the summer holidays. Children and teachers were introduced to the concept of nutrition garden through orientation to balanced diet and importance of micronutrients. Other extension methods like celebration of World Environment Day (June 5), group discussion were also carried out to popularize the importance of nutrients. The vegetable seed kits containing eight varieties of vegetables developed by Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR) containing staple vegetables were distributed. These vegetables were grown in Kharif and Rabi season. Along with the seed kit, perennials like curry leaf, drumstick, fig and lemon were also supplied to the schools. Later each class of the children was allotted a specific vegetable for cultivation. Results: After introduction of nutritional garden, the consumption of fresh vegetables increased in the daily diet which contributed towards the good health.  Conclusion: It is inferred from these results that school nutrition garden may be made mandatory for high schools with a provision of school garden kit.