Centre advises states to reduce usage of cooking oil by 10% in school meals

New Delhi: The Centre has advised states and Union territories to cut cooking oil usage by 10% in school meals under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman scheme. The PM POSHAN scheme presents an excellent opportunity to instill healthy eating habits, encouraging students to prepare and consume fresh, nutritious meals with minimal oil,” he said. PM POSHAN is a flagship rights-based, Centrally The ministry has recommended 17 activities to states and UTs to raise awareness among students on the benefits of reduced oil consumption including – conduct special classes on the importance of minimising oil usage in meals; hold sessions with nutrition experts on ‘low-oil diets’; Organize school-level quiz competitions on healthy eating habits; reinforce the significance of regular “exercise and yoga” to maintain a healthy lifestyle and burn excess calories; teach students how to prepare delicious, low-oil meals; display engaging posters, banners and infographics in canteens of government offices to highlight the benefits of reduced oil consumption; advocate for minimal consumption of processed foods and snacks and emphasize a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains for balanced nutrition. Organize special “School Management Committee” meetings involving students, parents and community members to reinforce the importance of healthy eating habits,” the advisory states.