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SNA holds 4th school nutrition conference

Sep 1, 2014, 9:44 AM | Article By: Halimatou Ceesay

The School Nutrition Association, SNA, Wednesday held their 4th School Nutrion Conference at the SAFMU conference hall at the NCCE head office.

Speaking at the conference, Victoria Ginja, the WFP Representative, congratulated SNA for trying to change nutrition status in the country.

She urged them to involve the private sector firms like restaurants and hotels, who are genuine partners and could support nutrition.

The WFP country rep said they needed to work together, and also train them in different messages towards the advancement of nutrition in the country.

Sulayman Ibrahim Gagigo, secretary general of SNA, said the association came into existence in 2011, and that the purpose of SNA was to bring all players in school nutrition together and discuss issues affecting it.

He said the conference was an opportunity for them to bring forward suggestions and solutions on the improvement of the school-feeding programme.

Mr Gagigo said they felt it was important to improve the feeding of children, adding that vendors are working directly with the children in schools and their nutrition is paramount.

He said they have provided school guidelines for all the vendors and a series of training courses as well, adding that all vendors must have a valid medical certificate to be able to sell food to the children in schools.

They have a membership of 2536 in 128 schools, he said, adding that their mission was to advocate quality school feeding programmes in the country, and to promote good nutrition and food safety.

The conference witnessed an open discussion about issues affecting school nutrition, and the way forward in tackling them, with all the regions represented at the conference.