14/09/2025

ON SUNDAY September 14, 2025 theSunday Special V

W HEN we think back to our school days, memories of the canteen often come flooding back. And for many, these are not al ways fond memories. Nasi lemak wrapped in wax paper, sugary drinks in plastic cups and deep-fried everything. But times are changing and they are changing fast. With the Ministry of Health currently drafting a new nutrition bill and set to tighten guidelines for school canteens, there’s a renewed focus on what our children eat during their most formative years. Koh Puay Eng, the Clinical Nutrition Manager for Sodexo Malaysia, a global food services provider, shared that beyond just feeding hungry kids, their mission is to reshape young palates, nurture healthy habits and turn school lunches into a foundation for lifelong wellbeing. Her team serves around 10,000 students across the region every single day. “We provide food that fuels focus and builds healthy habits. Each meal com prises four main food groups: Grains, proteins, vegetables and fruits, served in the right portion sizes. But that’s just the beginning. Meals are also prepared using healthier methods, such as baking, boiling and grilling. Furthermore, processed ingredients are kept to a minimum,” she said. Colour, variety and familiarity matter, especially when catering to children of GL̆ HUHQW DJH JURXSV DQG FXOWXUDO EDFN grounds to make meals appealing. “With younger kids, we might sneak vegetables into pasta sauce or butter chicken. They still get the nutrients, but in a form they’re comfortable with,” she said. In line with existing and upcoming regulations, Sodexo has ditched many of the typical canteen staples. There are no chocolate bars, sweets or deep-fried indulgences served with lunch. Instead, beverages and ready-to-eat products carry the ‘Healthier Choice’ label. One-third of the menu is also plant-based and vegetar ian days are observed in some schools. 7KLV KHDOWK ¿UVW PLQGVHW DOVR LQFOXGHV allergen safety.

Rethinking what our kids eat

“We do not serve shellfish, nuts or their products in school campuses and we clearly label menu items with common allergens like dairy, eggs and gluten,” Koh explained. Of course, it’s not just about what’s on the plate; it’s also about the mindsets that form around food. That’s why Sodexo integrates nutritional education into its school programmes. F URP WKH IXQ ³)RRG 7UḊ F /LJKWV´ V\V tem that helps students identify healthier food choices (green for good, red for lim ited), to more hands-on experiences like cooking workshops and nutrition weeks, the goal is to make healthy eating second nature. “Changing habits is hard. That’s why VWDUWLQJ \RXQJ PDNHV D ODVWLQJ GL̆ HUHQFH ´ Koh pointed out.

BY ASHRAF WAHAB

Making nutrition fun and simple, from colour-coded food guides to hands-on cooking workshops.

“We believe in active collaboration with school stakeholders. Providers must ensure all meals follow the government’s dietary guidelines while still being tasty DQG D̆ RUGDEOH ´ )RU ORQJ WHUP LPSDFW Koh believes that everyone has to come on board – parents, teachers, even school helpers. “We share our sourcing practices and nutrition standards during school events to build trust and transparency. It’s about creating a whole ecosystem that supports better choices,” she said. Feeding children well isn’t just about their health. It’s also about the health of the planet. Using technology to measure and analyse food waste in school kitchens can reduce waste by up to 50%. Some schools even compost food waste to grow gardens on campus, teaching children the importance of sustainability alongside nutrition.

Unhealthy habits formed in childhood can lead to obesity, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. From a na WLRQDO VWDQGSRLQW WKLV D̆ HFWV KHDOWKFDUH costs and productivity. It’s worth making the shift now for the health of our children and our future. It’s clear that the school lunch tray is no longer just a place for quick, calorie packed meals. With strong policy moves and the dedication of food providers, it’s becoming a launchpad for healthy futures. “Yes, change can be hard. But the long WHUP EHQH¿WV LQ WHUPV RI KHDOWK ZHOO being, and even academic performance are undeniable. The earlier we start, the better,” she emphasised. In a world where our children face more screens, more sugar and more sedentary time than ever before, the humble school lunch is precisely where we need to begin.

Colour, variety and familiarity make meals more appealing for children.