A professor of Human Nutrition and Hospitality at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Paulina Adeniji, has called on the government at all levels to implement policies that will promote the availability of nutritious foods and support initiatives such as farmer’s markets and community garden to make good available for people.
Delivering her inaugural lecture titled, ‘Give us adequate food in due season: Establishing a path to healthy living,’ Adeniji, who highlighted the roles government was expected to play, also challenged the National Universities Commission to increase nutrition education and awareness in schools, higher institutions, and community centres.
According to her, by so doing, NUC will be empowering individuals to make informed dietary choices.
On the part of the government, the don explained that a community garden could be established where food items produced would be shared with the residents.
She further suggested to the government to ensure, “Provision of adequate nutritious foods to ensure food and nutrition security necessary for maintaining body weight, preventing weight loss and ensuring adequate consumption of vitamins and minerals.
“Preventing food and water-borne diseases by emphasising food and water safety as well as personal and environmental hygiene and
implementing policies that promote the availability of nutritious foods in underserved areas and support initiatives like farmer’s markets and community gardens.
“Involving communities in the development of nutrition programs to ensure cultural relevance and acceptance and encouraging Nigerians to secure a space in their various houses for the home garden to afford them of eating fruits and vegetables.”
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