The Second Semester BSc Nursing students of Manipal College of Nursing, MAHE Manipal, conducted the nutrition project “Healthy Diet Program” as part of their curricular requirement on May 9, 2024, and May 11, 2024.

One hundred and thirty-six students were assigned to prepare for a balanced and therapeutic diet. Students were divided into 15 groups and prepared a one-day diet plan as per the recommended dietary allowances (RDA). On May 9, 2024, eight groups prepared a diabetic diet, a diet for hypertension, a diet for malnourished under-five children, a diet for antenatal mothers, a diet for diarrheal children, a diet for adolescent girls with anemia, a diet for elderly people, and an adolescent diet. On May 11, 2024, a diet for an 8-month-old child, a diet for postnatal mothers, a diet for a patient with osteoporosis, a diet for a patient with tuberculosis, a diet for a patient with cirrhosis, and a diet for a patient with a peptic ulcer were demonstrated and presented.

Students discussed within their groups, as well as the supervising teachers, who planned and calculated the menu based on the weight and type of work of the target group assigned to them. This activity is in relation to SDG 2 - Zero Hunger, SDG 3 - Good Health and Wellbeing, and SDG 5 Gender equality.

On the day of the presentation, the students prepared the menu plan by applying the principles of hygienic cooking and displayed the menu with a brief presentation. The project was evaluated by Dr. Sushmitha R. Karkada, Assistant Professor, Department of OBG Nursing; Dr. Sangeetha Priyadarshini, Assistant Professor, Department of Child Health Nursing; and Dr Ansuya, Associate Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing. The project was coordinated by Dr. Ansuya, Associate Professor, and Ms. Christina Esther C. Lecturer, under the guidance of Dr. Shashidhara Y N. HOD, Department of Community Health Nursing, MCON, MAHE Manipal.