DOH wants school canteens to have a 'makeover', serve healthy meals

The Department of Health is recommending, through a “canteen makeover”, that school canteens not sell soft drinks and "junk" food. In a report aired on GMA 7 news program “24 Oras”, DOH Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag said, “Diyan tayo magkakaproblema dahil maraming mga canteen ang hindi masustansya yung pagakain. “Kaya nga, dapat, ang magulang, ang paaralan ay magtuturo at gagawa ng paraan para masustansyang pagkain ang makakain nung mga bata.” Tayag acknowledged that parents sometimes have to pinch pennies and, consequently, send the kids off with unhealthy packed meals or “baon”. This all the more highlights the responsibility of schools and their canteens in not just merely filling bellies regardless of its nutritional consequences, but, rather,  imparting to students the value of eating nutrition-rich fruits and vegetables. The Diliman Preparatory School in Quezon City has taken the DOH's recommendations to heart and has partnered with the department in such a “canteen makeover.” When the school year begins, the school will have meatless Mondays and Fridays; and a ban on the sale of soft drinks and “junk” snacks. “We're going to have fruits and vegetables everyday of the week. But no sugary drinks,” said Diliman Preparatory School head and ex-Senator Nikki Coseteng. “Huwag natin iisipina na ang pinakamadali, yun ang bigay natin sa mga bata. Yung pinaka mura, yun ang bigay natin sa mga bata. Tapos, pagbibili tayo ng sapatos o damit, gusto natin yung maganda at mahal,” added Coseteng. The DOH's recommendations does not only cover healthy eating, it also looks to students' health in general. The department wants to see schools have water and soap available so students can wash their hands before eating. Getting enough sleep is also another concern of the department. Tayag also pointed out that regardless whether the food is brought from home, bought in the school canteen or bought from a street vendor, care must be taken to make sure the meal is unspoilt and protected from contaminants that cause diarrhea. — DVM, GMA News