 Keow Kuang promotes healthy food){kind=link}
SCHOOLS play an important role in the development of their students, academically as well as physically.
For children to grow strong and healthy, they need nutritious food.
One school in Penang stands out when it comes to nutritious meal for their pupils.
SJK (C) Keow Kuang in Bukit Mertajam has been offering nutritious meal at a reasonable price of RM3.50 at the school’s canteen since mid 2019.
Before the food is allowed to be sold, it has to be certified by a nutritionist to ensure its ingredients are of good quality.
In an interview with Buletin Mutiara recently, the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairman Fong Choon Kit said it was important for the 720-odd pupils to have a balanced diet meal plan.
“When the kids are between seven and 12 years old, they need to be given proper nutrition. Without an adequate nutrient intake, their growth and development will be affected, especially during their early age.
“Hence, after learning about all this, we decided to incorporate this healthy menu.
“In our school, we do not sell any sweet drinks as well. Only plain water is available at our canteen.
“Some of the parents could not accept it at first, but they have slowly realised the school’s aim for the sake of the pupil,” he said.
Fong expressed hopes that what is practised at SJK (C) Keow Kuang can be emulated by other schools in the future.
“We need to create such a healthy environment for the pupils,” he said.
Johnson Ooi, who is the canteen operator, agreed with Fong on the importance of healthy meal for the pupils.
“We need to have fibres, plant-based proteins, carbohydrates and other nutrients in the food.
“In a week, we will change the menu to ensure the pupils won’t get bored with the same food.
“Normally, I would be in the canteen as early as 5.30am to prepare the food. On top of that, I will maintain the canteen’s cleanliness. That is an important aspect when serving the pupils so that they won’t fall sick,” he said.
Story by Edmund Lee