CSNHM UMS Campaign for Healthy Breakfast

The Center for School Nutrition Health Movement (CSNHM) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) recently launched a new song called “Isi Piringku.” This song is included in the Nutrition and Health Module book, which aims to support Class I School Health Business Activities (UKS). The launch event took place on Friday (8/2/2024) at Muhammadiyah Elementary School 1 Surakarta.

The school warmly received the educational activity focused on the song Isi Piringku and the evaluation of the module. The children were incredibly enthusiastic, singing along and even coming forward in groups to perform. Each child was given a leaflet with the song lyrics and a YouTube link to continue enjoying the song at home.

“Before the module is implemented for students, we want to receive input from student and parent representatives so that the module can be well received by the children”” said Setyaningrum Rahmawaty, M.Kes., Ph.D., a Clinical Nutrition Lecturer in the Nutrition Science Program at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FIK) UMS, on Sunday (8/4/2024).

Here are the lyrics of the song

Ayo makan sehat, isi di piringmu

Ada empat macam, isi di piringmu

Nasi sayuran buah dan lauk

Tambah satu minum air yang cukup

Janganlah lupa cuci tanganmu

Biasakan juga aktif bergerak

Emma, as she’s affectionately known, highlighted the Ministry of Health’s data showing that 65 percent of school children skip breakfast. She emphasized the significant role a healthy breakfast plays in boosting children’s focus and cognitive abilities. Establishing healthy habits and managing weight, Emma noted, can prevent stomach acid issues that disrupt children’s school day.

Setyaningrum explained, “Our research in elementary schools in Surakarta shows that even among children who do eat breakfast, the types of food consumed are not yet balanced and sufficient to meet the needs of children, as recommended by the government in the Isi Piringku program through the Ministry of Health.

Setyaningrum further explained that children who skip breakfast often rely on snacks from the school canteen or street vendors. Unfortunately, these options typically come in small portions and lack nutrients due to frying and low fiber content. She highlighted national data revealing that 95% of school children have insufficient fiber intake.

“The fiber intake from vegetables and fruits among elementary school children in Surakarta is very low. The average fiber intake is only 3 grams per day, and all children are categorized as having a fiber deficiency. The tendency for overweight among school children is also increasing, especially with the lack of physical activity combined with increased consumption of sweet and fried foods,” explained Emma.

Given the rapid growth experienced by school children, Emma stresses the need for adequate and balanced nutrition for their proper development. She recommends breakfast as a critical meal, fulfilling 20-25% of a child’s daily nutritional needs and incorporating the balanced nutrition principles outlined in the Isi Piringku song.

Writer: Yusuf

Editor: Gede

Translator: Farizal 

Source: News UMS