Convener News Desk
Srinagar, October 23: Mondelez India Foods Private Limited and Bal Raksha Bharat (BRB), in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK), Tuesday organized a Learning and Evidence Workshop under the Eat Right School initiative in Srinagar aimed at promoting nutrition and food safety among schoolchildren,
In a statement issued to Kashmir Convener, an official spokesperson said the workshop — part of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)’s Eat Right India movement — brought together senior government officials, educators, food safety experts and civil society representatives to review progress and discuss strategies for scaling the program across Jammu & Kashmir.
So far, 35 government schools in Kashmir have achieved Eat Right School Certification, benefiting over 2,500 students and setting a benchmark for safe, nutritious and sustainable eating habits.
Opening the session, Sharif Bhat, Head of BRB for J&K and Ladakh, emphasized the “need for sustained collaboration between government, civil society and the private sector to advance child nutrition.”
Anwar Malik from Mondelez India Foods highlighted how public–private partnerships “are driving improved health outcomes among children through evidence-based interventions.”
In his inaugural address, Sayed Shabbir Ahmad, Joint Director General, DSEK, called education “a key driver in shaping lifelong healthy habits” and urged stronger inter-departmental synergy under the Eat Right India mission.
The event also featured technical sessions led by Dr. Jan Masood Ahmad, Chief Chemist, PHE Kashmir, and Mr. Yamin, Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety Srinagar, who stressed convergence among departments to build a nutrition-sensitive school ecosystem. Students and teachers shared how the initiative has changed food habits, hygiene awareness and community engagement in their schools.
Dr. G.N. Ittoo, Director General of School Education Kashmir, in his address, lauded the efforts of FSSAI, the Food Safety Department, and implementing partners for helping achieve the certifications.
“FSSAI has given the mandate, but Mondelez India Foods and Bal Raksha Bharat have made it possible to reach children through meaningful partnerships. Together, they have shown what collaboration can achieve,” he said, adding that Srinagar is set to become the first district in Kashmir with 100% Eat Right-certified schools.
Mr. Firdous Ahmad, State Nodal Officer, FDA J&K, also commended the initiative, assuring continued “handholding in registration, FoSTaC training, and awareness creation” for schools aspiring to join the program.
The workshop concluded with a pledge to further strengthen coordination among departments and expand the Eat Right model across the Valley.
Under the initiative, 35 Training of Trainers (ToTs), 70 teachers, 100 cooks, and 525 School Management Committee members have been trained.
The program also facilitated free water testing, school health cards, and kitchen hygiene audits. Fifteen schools have developed kitchen gardens to encourage sustainable food practices — an innovation backed by a three-year MoU with the Agriculture Department.
The Eat Right School initiative under FSSAI integrates nutrition education, hygiene, and sustainability into school systems, empowering students to adopt healthy lifestyles.
Spokesperson said in J&K, the program is being implemented by Bal Raksha Bharat with support from Mondelez India Foods Pvt. Ltd. and technical assistance from FSSAI and the Food Safety Department.
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