Empowering Mothers Through The Use of A Sustainable Healthy Local Food Menu to Sustainablely Overcome Children's Stunting

Abstract

Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem that has long-term impacts on children's health and development. A major contributing factor to the high prevalence of stunting is the low level of maternal knowledge regarding balanced nutrition and the utilization of local food sources. This community service activity aimed to empower mothers through nutrition education and local food-based cooking skills training as a preventive measure against stunting. The activity was conducted on December 25, 2023, in the working area of Bone Rombo Health Center, Kulisusu Subdistrict, North Buton Regency, involving 41 participants, including mothers of toddlers, pregnant women, and healthcare partners. The training was delivered using a participatory approach with the aid of leaflets and visual presentations. The activity outcomes were evaluated through direct pre- and post-test questions and interactive discussions led by the speaker. The results indicated a high level of enthusiasm and active participation, with approximately 80% of participants correctly answering the evaluation questions and being able to recall key tips on improving the quality of food for mothers and children. This community engagement initiative demonstrates that participatory, locally-based educational approaches can enhance maternal nutritional knowledge and skills in selecting and preparing local foods, thus supporting sustainable stunting prevention efforts.