Question

An NGO working in a resettlement area wants to combat public nutrition problem by providing a healthy snack to children living there. (i) Anticipate which strategy will it use to meet the nutritional needs of these children.
(ii) Provide any two advantages and any one disadvantage of using this strategy.

Hint:

Food supplementation programs are commonly used to improve the nutritional status of vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.

Answer 1

Step 1: Identifying the strategy.
The NGO will most likely use the strategy of Food Supplementation. This strategy involves providing additional nutritious food to children whose regular diets may not meet their nutritional requirements. Healthy snacks such as fruits, milk, fortified biscuits, or nutritious meals are given to improve their overall nutritional status.
Step 2: Advantages of food supplementation.
1. Improves nutritional status: It helps children receive essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals required for proper growth and development.
2. Prevents malnutrition: Regular provision of nutritious snacks helps reduce the risk of undernutrition and deficiency diseases among children.
Step 3: Disadvantage of food supplementation.
One disadvantage of this strategy is that it may create dependency if children and families rely only on the supplemented food instead of improving their regular dietary practices.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, food supplementation is an effective strategy for improving children's nutrition, although it must be combined with nutrition education for long-term benefits.