IPB University Vocational School Educates Mothers and Toddlers on Nutrition Through MPASI Cooking Demo with PANDAI-GO

Students from the Food Service and Nutrition Industry Management Study Program (MIJMG), Vocational School of IPB University, conducted an outreach activity titled ‘Nutrition Education Through MPASI Cooking Demo Based on the PANDAI-GO Book as an Effort to Prevent Stunting’ in Pasarean Village, Pamijahan District, Bogor Regency.

This activity aimed to improve mothers’ knowledge and skills in preparing balanced complementary foods for breastfeeding (MPASI) as a preventive measure against stunting. The program was also part of the practicum course Methods and Techniques of Nutrition Education, supervised by lecturer Rosyda Dianah, SKM, MKM.

During the event, the students not only provided education on balanced nutrition but also conducted a cooking demonstration of MPASI and distributed the PANDAI-GO book to participants.

 “This book serves as an interactive learning medium containing more than 30 MPASI recipes made from local ingredients, a ‘My Plate’ guide, an interactive daily calendar, and household measurement conversions (URT),” explained Rosyda.

 According to her, such educational approaches are important to promote changes in community nutrition behavior. “Through cooking demos and the PANDAI-GO book, mothers can directly practice how to prepare healthy, nutritious complementary foods suited to their children’s needs. This education is expected to become a concrete step in preventing stunting at the family level,” she added.

Meanwhile, Pasarean Chief Village, H Dedi Furkon, appreciated the initiative of IPB University students. He considered the activity highly beneficial and supportive of the existing village programs.

“In Pasarean Village, we already have programs such as supplementary feeding (PMT) and regular child weighing sessions. This activity from IPB students enhances community knowledge, especially regarding the role of families in providing complementary foods,” he said.

Throughout the event, participants showed great enthusiasm, actively engaging in discussions. The students explained the four main pillars of the Balanced Nutrition Guidelines (PUGS) and demonstrated the recipe Tofu Egg Porridge adapted from the PANDAI-GO book. Mothers also received practical tips, such as how to properly wash children’s utensils, provide milk appropriately, and handle children experiencing loss of appetite (GTM).

The students handed over the PANDAI-GO book and nutrition education posters to participants and the village officials. The posters were displayed in the posyandu and village hall as reminders of the importance of balanced nutrition and proper MPASI practices. (IAAS/MRM)