District Food and Nutrition Coordinating Officers (DFNCOs) from across the country are participating in a three-day workshop in Berea to assess their progress and plan the next steps following nationwide nutrition launches in their respective districts.
The workshop comes on the heels of recent campaigns organized by the Food and Nutrition Coordinating Office (FNCO) in partnership with District Nutrition Teams. These campaigns focused on raising awareness about healthy eating habits, using the carrot mascot adorned with seven colors as a central figure to promote the message of diverse, nutritious diets.
FNCO Public Relations Officer, Ms. Nthabeleng Sefako, expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the campaigns, noting that both the national and district-level nutrition launches have been met with enthusiasm. She highlighted that the carrot mascot has been instrumental in fostering new knowledge, influencing attitudes, and reshaping social norms regarding food choices among individuals and communities.
“In the past, people were encouraged to consume foods from three basic groups for a balanced diet. However, recent studies emphasize the importance of incorporating at least seven colors of food in daily meals to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” Ms. Sefako explained.
The DFNCO workshop in Berea aims to build on the success of these launches by reviewing their impact and strategizing for future initiatives. The sessions will focus on identifying areas of improvement, sharing best practices, and developing innovative approaches to further enhance nutrition education and practices at the community level.
With the momentum gained from the campaigns, FNCO and its district teams are optimistic about continuing to promote healthy eating habits and addressing nutritional challenges in the country. The workshop is expected to conclude with actionable plans to sustain the positive reception and progress achieved thus far.
