My little food champions

Madhulika Singh

Young kids carry snack and tiffin boxes to school. It is important that we teach them to finish the food in their boxes, so that they don’t waste it.

Why we should not waste food

1.  Farmers work hard to grow our food. Wasting it is unfair to their efforts.
2. Finishing food shows good discipline and manners.
3. Eating all the food in the tiffin box ensures that children get the nutrition they need to grow.
4. Less food waste means fewer resources, such as water and energy, are wasted.

How can children save food?

• Parents should pack just enough food that children can eat easily
• Kids should focus on eating instead of talking or playing during lunchtime.
• If some food is left, they should close the tiffin box properly and take it back home instead of throwing it away.
• If they have extra food, they can share it with a friend (if the school allows it).
• If kids don’t like certain food items, parents can pack something healthier that they will finish.

To stop my students wasting food, I started keeping a tray on my table and as soon as recess would get over, I would ask my students to put the leftover portion of their food in the tray. I would count the number of portions kept in the tray daily and maintain a record, which I would share with the students. Gradually, the students realized realized what they were doing, and today each and every child is cautious about wastage.

Not wasting food brought in the tiffin box is a small step that makes a big difference. It teaches children responsibility, good eating habits, and respect for food. By following these simple steps, kids in classes 1 and 2 can become food-saving champions!

 Madhulika Singh is Academic Head from Sunbeam School Bhagwanpur, Varanasi. She has been working in this institution for the last 25 years. She can be reached at madhulikasingh1972@gmail.com.