THE Delta Committee on Food and Nutrition has urged residents to prioritise the consumption of quality food and proper nutrition to enhance their health and general wellbeing.
The call is contained in a statement issued by the State Director of Information, Mrs Theresa Oliko, and made available to newsmen in Asaba on Wednesday.
The committee, formed to address food and nutrition issues in the state, is headed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Planning, Mr Frank Isume.
The committee emphasised the importance of balanced diets, exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding, food safety, and dietary diversity in combating malnutrition, stunted growth in children, and nutrition-related illnesses across the state
It encouraged households to make conscious efforts to consume locally available and nutrient-rich foods.
It also emphasised the need for partnerships with communities to promote nutrition education, sustainable farming practices, and access to affordable, healthy foods.
The committee called on all stakeholders, including families, schools, traditional institutions, and the media, to work towards promoting healthy eating habits, supporting nutrition-sensitive policies, and ensuring that every household has access to nutritious food.
It affirmed the government’s commitment to achieving the National Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action Goal for Food and Nutrition, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 2: Zero Hunger.
Newsextra24 reports that the committee was established to oversee and coordinate activities related to food and nutrition for residents as well as contribute to making Delta a food basket for the country.
The committee works with Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to develop and implement strategies for improving food production, distribution and access to nutritious food.
It was formed by the House of Assembly in response to recommendations from Conference of Speakers Retreat on addressing food and nutrition issues in the state.
