150 Mothers Benefit as Nutrition Society Takes World Food Day to FCT

150 Mothers Benefit as Nutrition Society Takes World Food Day to FCT

…Calls on Govt to Tackle Inflation, Food Waste, Malnutrition

As part of the global celebration of World Food Day, the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), FCT Chapter, on Thursday took its annual outreach to the grassroots, empowering 150 mothers in Jikwoyi, Abuja, with nutrition education and food items aimed at promoting healthy eating and family bonding.

World Food Day, marked globally on October 16, is a United Nations initiative to promote food security, raise awareness about hunger, and advocate for access to safe, nutritious food for all under this year’s theme: “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.”

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of NSN, FCT Chapter, Major Edith Nwachinereme, said the Society was focusing this year’s outreach on ensuring that “no one is left behind” in the fight against hunger and malnutrition.

“When we talk about food, we should not focus on the elites alone. That’s why we go to rural communities where malnutrition is most prevalent,” she said. “For three years now, we’ve been reaching out to mothers in places like Kubwa, Kuchingoro, and now Jikwoyi, teaching them how to make nutritious meals from foods available in their locality.”

The event, she explained, targeted 150 pregnant women and mothers, each receiving one kilogram of rice, beans, eggs, salt, and vegetables after practical demonstrations on meal preparation.

“We don’t just teach; we practicalize what we preach. The idea is for families to cook and eat together to build unity and improve household nutrition. A malnourished family leads to a malnourished nation, and that ultimately reduces productivity,” Nwachinereme stated.

She lamented the growing food insecurity and inflation in the country, urging the government to implement policies that would stabilize food prices, support local farmers, and reduce post-harvest losses.

“We want government to put price tags to curb inflation and encourage farmers to grow local crops. Also, communities can embrace trade-by-barter, exchanging farm produce like fish for grains to sustain food supply,” she suggested.

“Most importantly, government must address food wastage. We see tons of produce wasted daily. With proper preservation training and facilities at community level, starvation in Nigeria can be drastically reduced,” she added.

A member of the NSN, Thompson Chimay, emphasized that World Food Day serves as a reminder for all stakeholders, government, private sector, civil society, and communities to work together in promoting nutrition and food security.

“World Food Day is not just about celebration; it’s about action. Everyone has a role — from the home to policy level — to ensure people eat right, stay healthy, and live productively,” she said.

Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the initiative. Esther Joseph, one of the participants, said the knowledge gained would help her family eat healthier.

“I learned a lot about preparing balanced meals for my children and family. The food we received will really help us,” she said with a smile.

Another participant, Peace Isaiah, commended the organizers for teaching practical lessons using affordable, locally available ingredients.

“I learned about the six classes of food and how to prepare nutritious meals from what I can buy in nearby markets,” she said. “This will help my family eat better and stay healthy.”

Major Nwachinereme reaffirmed NSN’s commitment to continuous grassroots engagement, adding that the Society will sustain its yearly community outreach to support women and families across the FCT.

“We are here to let them know we have them in our hearts. This is our third year, and we’ll continue until every family understands that good nutrition starts at home,” she said.

World Food Day is celebrated annually in over 150 countries, uniting governments, NGOs, and communities in the shared goal of achieving Zero Hunger and a healthier, more sustainable future for all.