“Food for Thought” Nutrition awareness session at Kuzhiyakkad

Oleevia Foundation organized a nutritional awareness session in the Kuzhiyakkad area, located within the Marutharoad Panchayat, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote healthier lifestyles. The session was facilitated by Gautam Ramakrishnan, a distinguished psychologist and the Chief Project Manager of the Oleevia Foundation. During this engaging and informative program, Mr. Ramakrishnan provided valuable insights into the importance of understanding nutritional labels on packaged food products. He guided participants through the process of decoding food labels, explaining key components such as serving sizes, calorie counts, macronutrient breakdowns, and the significance of ingredient lists. The session aimed to empower the community with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed dietary choices, fostering a greater awareness of nutrition and its impact on overall health. Through interactive discussions and practical examples, attendees learned how to identify hidden sugars, unhealthy fats, and other critical information on packaged food labels, enabling them to make healthier purchasing decisions.
The session introduced the critical link between macronutrients, micronutrients, and mental well-being, explaining how deficiencies in iron, protein, Vitamin B12, and Omega-3 can lead to irritability, anxiety, learning issues, and fatigue.
Through this project we didn’t just expose the problem—we gave solutions.Participants learned how to prepare simple, affordable, and nourishing drinks and snacks from home ingredients like jaggery, fresh lime, ragi, seasonal fruits, and millets. These swaps aren’t just cheaper—they heal, energize, and build strong immunity, especially in children. The feedback was powerful. Mothers spoke up, confessing how unaware they had been of the food labels and marketing traps. Anganwadi staff pledged to share this wisdom with other centers.Children themselves began questioning what they eat and what they bring to school.
The session ended with an interactive Q&A segment, where attendees clarified doubts and shared their insights. The Oleevia Foundation distributed informational pamphlets and pledged ongoing support for community health initiatives. Participants left the session empowered with practical skills to navigate food labels confidently, contributing to improved nutritional awareness and well-being in the community.