Tosaran, Kedungwuni, Pekalongan (August 11, 2024) – Rahayu Utami (21), a student from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences at Diponegoro University (UNDIP) and a member of the 2024 KKN Team II, has successfully carried out a monodisciplinary program focused on educating the community about the importance of fish-based nutrition in preventing stunting. The event took place at the Tosaran Village Hall on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM. The program targeted soon-to-be-married couples, pregnant women, mothers of toddlers, and representatives from the local integrated healthcare center (Posyandu) in Tosaran Village.
The initiative was launched in response to the lack of awareness among parents, particularly mothers, about the importance of incorporating animal protein, especially from fish, into their children’s diets. Many participants were only familiar with using fish as a side dish for adults, leaving toddlers without adequate nutrition from this vital source. Fish, rich in protein and carbohydrates, plays a crucial role in supporting the growth and weight gain of infants and toddlers.
The program was conducted using PowerPoint presentations to deliver the material effectively. Additionally, posters summarizing the key points were distributed to participants for future reference. The topics covered included an introduction to stunting, prevention methods, food sources that can help prevent stunting, the nutritional value of fish, and examples of processed fishery products. As part of the program, participants were also served a sample dish: fish ball soup with vegetables, a nutritious and child-friendly meal suitable for toddlers.
The success of the program was evident from the participants’ enthusiasm, active engagement during the presentation, and lively participation in the Q&A session. Attendees expressed that fish-based dishes, such as the fish ball soup, are ideal for complementary feeding programs (PMT) for toddlers due to their soft texture, mild flavor, and high nutritional value. The light broth was also noted as appealing to young children.
This initiative aims to raise awareness about the benefits of fish in combating stunting and to encourage parents to incorporate fishery products into their children’s diets. By doing so, it is hoped that the program will contribute to improved nutrition and healthier growth for children in Tosaran Village.