Bengaluru, Aiming to educate street vendors on hygiene and healthy cooking, US-based Arogya World, a non-profit global health organization that works to prevent diseases through health education and lifestyle changes in India, organized its first session with 56 food vendors in July. 5 here.
The initiative, called MyThali, will train around 50 food vendors in 12 sessions spread across July and August. In total, they aim to reach 500 street vendors in Bengaluru.
“Arogya World’s MyThali initiative is a crucial step towards improving the health and well-being of citizens. By educating street vendors on healthy cooking practices, we are not only supporting the 'Eat Right India' initiative of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), but also paving the way for a healthier future for all." said Meghana Pasi, director of MyThali program, Arogya World.
One of the participants in today's session, Govindraju, who has been cooking and working as a caterer and street food vendor in Bengaluru for almost 40 years, said the session was very informative.
“I am very happy to be part of the session. I saw many healthy practices that I also follow. I have never used palm oil for cooking and I know many others do. That is why it is so necessary to hold sessions like this,” Govindraju added.
In the session on July 5, there was constant communication between the street vendors and the trainers.
Vendors were educated on healthier cooking methods, healthy eating, reducing oil and salt use, safe oil reuse practices, and the impact of unhealthy diet on non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Some of them were already aware of the health risks of consuming fried and high-salt foods. Many recognized that their customers are asking for healthier options, which motivated them to find ways to offer them.
“We are doing this in collaboration with another NGO, Nidan. Each provider was given a training certificate and an information booklet that summarized the session into simple tips for quick reference,” Pasi added.
The initiative, called MyThali, will train around 50 food vendors in 12 sessions spread across July and August. In total, they aim to reach 500 street vendors in Bengaluru.
“Arogya World’s MyThali initiative is a crucial step towards improving the health and well-being of citizens. By educating street vendors on healthy cooking practices, we are not only supporting the 'Eat Right India' initiative of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), but also paving the way for a healthier future for all." said Meghana Pasi, director of MyThali program, Arogya World.
One of the participants in today's session, Govindraju, who has been cooking and working as a caterer and street food vendor in Bengaluru for almost 40 years, said the session was very informative.
“I am very happy to be part of the session. I saw many healthy practices that I also follow. I have never used palm oil for cooking and I know many others do. That is why it is so necessary to hold sessions like this,” Govindraju added.
In the session on July 5, there was constant communication between the street vendors and the trainers.
Vendors were educated on healthier cooking methods, healthy eating, reducing oil and salt use, safe oil reuse practices, and the impact of unhealthy diet on non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Some of them were already aware of the health risks of consuming fried and high-salt foods. Many recognized that their customers are asking for healthier options, which motivated them to find ways to offer them.
“We are doing this in collaboration with another NGO, Nidan. Each provider was given a training certificate and an information booklet that summarized the session into simple tips for quick reference,” Pasi added.
