NERS NEWS — A health education activity with the theme “My Plate: The Secret to a Balanced Menu for Toddlers” was conducted as a form of community education, especially for mothers, regarding the importance of fulfilling balanced nutritional needs for toddlers. The activity began with an opening by the moderator, followed by the presentation of material by the speaker using presentation media and educational leaflets. The material presented included the concept of My Plate, the ideal composition of food on a single plate consisting of carbohydrates, protein, vegetables, and fruits, as well as the importance of food variety to meet toddlers’ nutritional needs. In addition, participants were given explanations about the benefits of balanced nutrition for children’s growth and development, as well as the potential impacts that may occur if toddlers’ nutritional needs are not optimally fulfilled. After the presentation, the activity continued with a discussion and question-and-answer session, allowing participants to ask questions related to toddler feeding patterns and share their experiences regarding child nutrition.
This activity was carried out by students of the Nursing Professional Education Program, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga (Batch 2) who were undertaking their Community Nursing clinical practice as part of community-based learning activities. The main targets of the activity were mothers and toddlers living in the RW 06 area. The program also received support from community leaders, health cadres, and residents of RW 06, Klampis Ngasem Village. The health education activity was held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, starting at 09:30 AM (WIB) until completion, at the RW 06 Community Hall, Klampis Ngasem Village. During the activity, participants showed great enthusiasm and actively participated in the discussion session.
The background of this activity was based on existing nutritional problems among children, such as malnutrition and unbalanced dietary patterns, which can affect the growth and development of toddlers. Therefore, health education for mothers is necessary to help them understand the proper composition of meals and apply it in preparing daily menus for their children. The benefits of this activity include increasing community understanding of the importance of balanced nutrition, encouraging healthy eating habits from an early age in children, and supporting the creation of a healthy and high-quality generation. In addition, this activity is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) which emphasizes adequate nutritional fulfillment, and Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages through promotive and preventive efforts in the community. It is hoped that through this activity, mothers will better understand the importance of providing balanced and nutritious food for toddlers in order to support their optimal growth and development.
Author: Herlina Indarni
Editor: Eva Khoirunnisa Adinta (Airlangga Nursing Journalist)
