Engaging Public food programs to embed sustainable Nutrition

The dimensions of sustainable Nutrition that should be investigated to engage Public Food Programs are as mentioned below: ?

1. Shift in Food Production to Sustainable Approaches
2. Shift Towards Sustainable and Healthy Consumption Choices
3. Shift in Value Addition to Sustainable Supply Chains

Each dimension would have a unique approach to getting monitored and evaluated, such that they play a significant role while being implemented across diverse public food programs nationwide

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The pathways that should be examined to embed them are as follows:

?Shift in Food Production to Sustainable Approaches

1. Integrated Renewable Energy Systems: Ability to Combine different renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro to create integrated systems that meet the diverse energy needs of agricultural operations.
2. Water Conservation: Capacity to use water-efficient irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and soil moisture monitoring, to minimise water consumption and reduce the impact of agriculture on freshwater resources.
3. Local and Seasonal Production: Support local and seasonal food production while reducing the environmental footprint associated with transportation, promoting biodiversity, and strengthening local economies.

Shift towards Sustainable and Healthy Consumption Choices

1. Local and Seasonal Foods: Support the consumption of locally grown and seasonal foods, which are fresher, more flavourful, and have a lower carbon footprint due to reduced transportation distances.
2. Food Waste Reduction: Current awareness about the environmental and economic impacts of food waste and initiatives in place to encourage individuals to reduce food waste at home by planning meals, storing food properly, and repurposing leftovers.
3. Nutrition Education and Cooking Skills: Nutrition education, cooking classes, and practical skills training are included to empower individuals to make healthier food choices and prepare nutritious meals at home in a budget-friendly way.

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Shift in Value Addition to Sustainable Supply Chains

1. Traceability and Transparency: Ability to ensure traceability and transparency throughout the supply chain to build consumer trust and confidence in the sustainability and integrity of products.
2. Local Sourcing and Community Development: Evaluating the strength of regional economies while supporting small-scale farmers and producers by sourcing ingredients and materials locally while investing in various community development initiatives.
3. Supply Chain Collaboration and Partnerships: Ability to collaborate and partner across various stages of the supply chain, including suppliers, producers, manufacturers, storage, retailers, and consumers.