News coverage by 4front Media / @4frontmedia
Second Mini School Meals festival organised at Laitsohpliah by NESFAS: Khliehumstem Presbyterian LP & UP School wins the competition.
A one-day Mini School Meals Festival was organized by NESFAS on the 2nd of April 2024 at Laitsohpliah in East Khasi Hills. Several activists, reputed international and national journalists, bureaucrats, and others participated in the event along with the teachers, MDM cooks, students and community members of Laitsohpliah.
The festival kicked off with the inauguration by Kathleen Finlay, President of Glynwood Centre for Regional Food and Farming, New York. Stating that it was such an honour to inaugurate the festival, she mentioned that her organization is also working towards reviving food systems in the United States, especially in New York which has been erased over time. “There are still strong Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems here (in Northeast India). Of course, there are modern threats to these systems but it is my hope these systems will help us shape the future and I believe NESFAS will make sure we safeguard these indigenous food systems,” she conveyed.
The competition was part of the “Linking to Agrobiodiversity for Improved Diets, Nutrition and Livelihoods” initiative by NESFAS which aims at increasing access of school children to healthy, nutritious, and diverse balanced diets through school meals. Six schools viz. Dewlieh Govt LP School, Nongtraw RCLP School, Mawmihthied Govt LP School, Khliehumstem Presbyterian LP & UP School, Subakalai SSA LP School and Laitsohpliah RCLP/UP School, took part in the competition which was one of the highlights of the festival. The competition showcased local school meal platters prepared by the five participating schools. Khliehumstem Presbyterian LP & UP School were adjusted winners of the competition.
In his welcome address, Mr. Nestar Kharmawphlang, Secretary Durbar Shnong Laitsohpliah, mentioned that NESFAS’ aim to uplift farmers in rural areas is highly commendable. He further shared that this project which is aimed at addressing malnutrition in Meghalaya is one among his favorite projects his community has collaborated on with NESFAS. “Our focus is on procuring ingredients for the school meals locally by utilizing our rich biodiversity. The school garden initiative has helped children get closer to nature and get a better understanding of the food they eat. I’m grateful to NESFAS for motivating our community to take up this initiative,” shared Bah Nestar.
In attendance during the festival was also the renowned American food journalist Mark Bittman who expressed his elation in being at the festival. The former columnist of The New York Times mentioned that mono-cropping has destroyed food systems worldwide and that the world needs to learn from indigenous communities such as in Laitsohpliah.
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23 окт 2024
