In our nation, the pressing concerns of childhood obesity, unhealthy eating, and a lack of physical activity require innovative solutions. Stepping into this transformative space is the #8510 Health Campaign, a collaborative endeavour between Food Future Foundation and Country Delight. This initiative introduces the 8-5-1-0 health rule, a guide emphasizing eight hours of sleep, five servings of fruits and vegetables, one hour of physical activity, and a complete break from unhealthy diets and screen time for school-going children.
In an exclusive interview with TheCSRUniverse, Mr. Pawan Agarwal, CEO, Food Future Foundation and former CEO, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), unravels the campaign's inception and objectives. The strategic alliance with Country Delight seamlessly melds public health expertise with a dedicated focus on nutrition. As Mr. Agarwal provides insights into this collaborative endeavour, the discussion highlights a collective vision for a healthier future for children, perfectly aligning with Food Future Foundation's 2030 goals.
The interview goes beyond the surface, exploring the intricate process of engaging communities, educating parents and school authorities, and measuring the initiative's success. Leveraging his wealth of regulatory experience, Mr. Agarwal significantly influences the campaign's approach, skillfully navigating both the potential and challenges inherent in collaborations with government agencies.
Keep scrolling to discover more about this transformative health initiative.
Q&A
Q. What inspired the development of the 8-5-1-0 health initiative, and what specific objectives do you hope to achieve, especially concerning children's well-being? Additionally, in what ways does this initiative contribute to the Foundation's overarching goals for a sustainable and healthy future by 2030?
A. The 8-5-1-0 health initiative was born out of a simple, yet profound observation i.e. the future of health lies in our children's hands. We saw a growing concern over childhood obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy eating habits, all of which have long-term consequences for their well-being.
We wanted to create a memorable, actionable framework that empowers children and their families to take charge of their health. The innovative and holistic rule was discussed at a round table discussion and conference of over 20 school principals, organized by Food Future Foundation and Country Delight, in Hyderabad.
The initiative's core objectives are clear i.e., 8 hours of sleep prioritizing rest for healthy growth and development, 5 servings of fruits and vegetables ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients, 1 hour of physical activity to promote physical fitness, and 0 unhealthy diets and food waste for encouraging mindful eating Contribution to the 8-5-1-0 vision extends beyond individual well-being.
It aligns perfectly with the Food Future Foundation's overarching goals for 2030. By encouraging mindful consumption and reducing food waste, we ensure efficient resource utilization.
We collaborate with schools, healthcare providers, and policymakers to implement this framework across various settings. We're also developing engaging educational materials and tools to make health fun and accessible for children. I believe that by working together, this initiative can become a powerful tool for building a healthier, happier, and more sustainable future for our children and generations to come.
Q. Can you provide insights into the scale of this initiative? How many schools or communities do you anticipate reaching, and what strategies are in place to ensure the program's widespread adoption and impact across different regions?
A. We want to make 8-5-1-0 accessible for everyone across different regions. In just a month we have been able to reach 5- 6 schools in Hyderabad and effectively inculcated the #8510 rule among 1000+ students with a focus on sustainable and healthy food systems, especially in terms of improving the health of children in the long run. We strive to constantly adapt and improve strategies for widespread awareness and adoption of healthy practices.
Q. What motivated the collaboration between Food Future Foundation and Country Delight for the 8-5-1-0 health initiative, and how do you anticipate that Country Delight's specific role in supporting the initiative aligns with its expertise in promoting healthier lifestyles, ultimately complementing the broader goals of the Food Future Foundation?
A. The collaboration between Food Future Foundation and Country Delight for the 8-5-1-0 health initiative is a strategic partnership driven by a shared vision for a healthier future for children. With a focus on sustainable and healthy food systems, the Food Future Foundation brings its expertise in public health policy, education, and food literacy to the table.
Country Delight will leverage its nutrition expertise to create engaging activities for children and parents, focusing on the importance of healthy eating habits. By combining the Food Future Foundation’s public health expertise with Country Delight's focus on healthy food choices, the 8-5-1-0 initiative can significantly impact children's health and well-being. Ultimately, this collaboration is a win-win for both organizations.
Q. How does the partnership plan to engage with communities, especially in rural or underserved areas? What steps are being taken to ensure its accessibility and relevance to diverse socio-economic backgrounds?
A. At Food Future Foundation, we believe healthy habits shouldn't be a privilege, and that's why engaging communities is central to our 8-5-1-0 initiative partnership with Country Delight.
Building trust and understanding is paramount. We're partnering with local organizations, schools, and healthcare providers to learn about specific needs within their cultural contexts. We're not imposing solutions; instead, we're listening. Through workshops and discussions, we'll work with communities to tailor the initiative to their unique challenges and aspirations.
Making 8-5-1-0 accessible for everyone is crucial. Ensuring relevance for all backgrounds is another priority. We understand that families' needs and challenges vary.
Our vision is that every child, regardless of background or location, deserves a chance to thrive. By actively engaging communities, making the initiative accessible and relevant, and empowering local champions.
Q. What strategies are being employed to educate parents and school authorities about the importance of the 8-5-1-0 rule, and how do you plan to encourage its adoption in a variety of educational settings?
A. Healthy habits can be a tough sell, especially for kids in a world of sugary cereals and endless screen time. Getting parents and school authorities on board is key to unlocking its potential. Educating parents and school authorities about the 8-5-1-0 rule doesn't have to be a chore.
Some of the effective strategies that can be employed to make this initiative a success in diverse educational environments can be engaging workshops to online resources, exploring how the 8-5-1-0 rule can be woven into the fabric of school life, empowering children to take charge of their health and build a brighter future for themselves.
Other strategies, assessing the antioxidant levels among school children, effective ways to imbibe food literacy among students, organizing interactive sessions for parents and school staff to educate them about the 8-5-1-0 pillars and provide practical implementation strategies, introducing societies/ Committees in a school, Students’ Nutrition Clubs in each school to conduct various activities related to promoting balanced and healthy diets and creating engaging learning modules, activity booklets, for children across different age groups. The goal is to adapt the program to fit diverse school environments, making sure the 8-5-1-0 rule blossoms in every corner of the educational landscape.
Q. How does the partnership plan to assess the success of the initiative in terms of outcomes, and what collaborative strategies are in place to monitor and communicate the positive effects on the health and wellness of children?
A. At Food Future Foundation, we believe in measuring success beyond just numbers. For our 8-5-1-0 initiative with Country Delight, we've built a robust assessment and monitoring plan to ensure lasting positive impacts on children's health and well-being. This partnership is about more than just numbers; it's about building a healthier future for our children. By prioritizing robust monitoring, open communication, and community engagement, we're confident the 8-5-1-0 initiative will leave a lasting legacy of happier, healthier kids.
We'll work hand-in-hand with Country Delight, sharing data, best practices, and challenges openly to ensure transparency and collective learning. Regular meetings and open communication will keep everyone involved, informed, and accountable. Monitoring goes beyond just numbers.
We'll track changes in children's dietary habits, access to healthy food, and rates of childhood obesity to measure nutritional impact, antioxidant levels among children, among others.
The 8-5-1-0 initiative is not just about measuring success: it's about igniting a movement. We believe every child deserves a healthy start, and by working hand-in-hand with communities and partners like Country Delight, we can empower them to embrace healthy habits, build resilience, and thrive.
Q. Considering the diversity of children, including those with different abilities, how is the 8-5-1-0 rule designed to be inclusive and adaptable to various physical and health conditions?
A. The 8-5-1-0 rule, while providing a general framework for healthy habits, recognizes the need for adaptability and inclusivity for children with diverse abilities and physical and health conditions.
The 8-5-1-0 rule is a comprehensive guideline crafted to foster healthy habits in children, considering their diverse needs and abilities. It encompasses various aspects of well-being, promoting adaptability and inclusivity across different physical and health conditions.
Sleep (8 hours): Adequate sleep is crucial for emotional and physical well-being, especially during periods of rapid growth, as seen in teenagers. Getting at least 8 hours of sleep daily is emphasized to support cognitive functions, academic performance, and overall health. It's crucial to address the quality of sleep as well, good mental health, avoiding electronic devices before bedtime, and being mindful of caffeine intake, can ensure sleep patterns are not disrupted.
Balanced Diet (5 components): Encouraging a balanced diet composed of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and water is essential for overall health. It involves educating children about the nutritional benefits of various food groups, including cereals, pulses, fruits, and vegetables. Empowering them to plan their meals, explore cooking, and appreciate diverse cuisines promotes a well-rounded dietary approach, catering to individual tastes and cultural backgrounds.
Physical Exercise (1 hour daily): Engaging in at least an hour of physical activity every day brings numerous health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health, stronger muscles and bones, and enhanced mental well-being. Encouraging participation in sports and setting achievable fitness goals promotes physical activity enjoyably.
Screen Time (1 hour daily): Limiting screen time helps in maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline activities. It's vital to encourage self-reflection on the impact of social media on mental health while promoting the exploration of hobbies and activities beyond screens, fostering personal growth and diverse interests.
Zero Unhealthy Diets and Food Waste: Encouraging a reduction in the consumption of sweetened drinks and processed foods not only promotes better health but also contributes positively to the environment. Children are encouraged to track their food waste, aiming to reduce it significantly over time. Additionally, initiatives like composting food scraps and donating food to those in need are highlighted, fostering a sense of responsibility toward reducing waste and supporting community welfare.
Q. Having previously served as the CEO of FSSAI, how has your experience in regulatory affairs influenced your approach to addressing health and nutrition challenges in our country? Plus, how do you envision collaborations between non-profit organizations like Food Future Foundation and government agencies to enhance public health, and what challenges and opportunities do you foresee in such partnerships?
A. My experience as the CEO of FSSAI has deeply shaped my approach to tackling health and nutrition challenges in India. While FSSAI focused on setting the standards, Food Future Foundation allows me to bridge the gap between policy and action.
I believe in empowering communities and individuals to take ownership of their health and nutrition. This involves fostering grassroots initiatives, promoting food literacy, and building resilient food systems that provide access to affordable, nutritious food.
I see tremendous potential in collaborations between non-profit organizations like the Food Future Foundation and government agencies to enhance public health. NGOs excel at grassroots engagement, community mobilization, and innovative approaches. Government agencies bring policy expertise, regulatory frameworks, and resource mobilization capabilities.
Food Future Foundation would need to adapt and streamline its operations to work within these bureaucratic frameworks while maintaining its agility and innovative spirit.
Q. How do you see the intersection of regulatory frameworks and public health initiatives, and what role does policy play in creating a conducive environment for promoting healthier lifestyles, particularly among children?
A. The intersection of regulatory frameworks and public health initiatives is a critical space for shaping healthier lifestyles, especially for children. Policy acts as a powerful catalyst for change, creating the conditions necessary for public health initiatives to thrive and positively impact children's health. The power of policy lies not just in setting standards, but in influencing behaviour.
By subtly nudging individuals and communities towards healthier choices, it creates a ripple effect that can transform entire landscapes.
