Nutritious Foods Are Reasonably Cheap

One need not spend much in order to provide nutritious foods to their family.

Mothers who attended the ‘Laki sa Batas’ Nutrition Education Advocacy held in Iloilo City recently shared that even with a meager budget, their families can still partake of healthy foods by combining low-cost, wholesome ingredients with practical cooking habits and a simple, healthy lifestyle.

They claimed that malunggay or tofu can best serve as substitute for meatballs while seasonal vegetables and fruits like eggplant, tomatoes and mangoes can be used as extender.

Likewise, shrimp, anchovies and monggo beans are affordable sources of protein and can substitute for meat and chicken.

Fruits in season are recommended instead of soft drinks.

A backyard vegetable garden production is also recommended because it can be a source of cheaper vegetables.

When buying foods, it is recommended that a grocery list be made and make sure to know in advance the preferred foods of family members to prevent spoilage.

Jasmin Estacio, consumer marketing manager for Bear Brand which spearheaded the advocacy, said they have been conducting similar activities in schools from various parts of the country not just to instill among school children, parents and teachers the significance of drinking milk but likewise generate and share ideas on how to ensure that children get their recommended nutritional diet.

She cited the alarming nutritional state of children based on the 6th National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) where 40 percent are underweight and 60 percent are below their proper height levels among children coming from D and E classes.

"Mothers are the key for the family to gain good food and nutrition, especially for young children who need to grow healthy so they can have the physical and mental capabilities to keep their high performance in school," she said.

Since the inception of the program, the advocacy was able to reach out to 121 schools, 61,200 kids and 25,172 mothers in Western Visayas. (PNA) /MP