Nowadays, sugar no longer remains a luxury—it’s omnipresent, masquerading in plain view in the foods our kids eat every day. From apparently innocent breakfast cereals to colored juices and snack packets, sugar has made its way into school tiffins and canteen counters. Though the issue goes unseen, its impact on students cannot be dismissed.
At Prime India Foundation, we are convinced that the health of a child should be prioritized as much as their studies. Education is vital—but not at the expense of energy slumps, weight gain, lethargy, or poor concentration in classrooms. And yet, that’s what we’re starting to see more of: kids unknowingly acquiring bad eating habits that haunt them in the short term and long term.
Why Schools Need to Be a Part of the Awareness
We wondered, Do kids actually know what they’re consuming? The response, unfortunately, was no. The majority of students can’t tell you how much sugar is in packaged foods, and they don’t even read nutrition labels. That was when we brought in “Sugar Boards” in some schools—inspiring display boards that reveal how many cubes of sugar are actually in some of the most popular foods.
The effect was instantaneous. Students placed their favorite soda bottle alongside a heap of 8 to 10 sugar cubes and were clearly shocked. Some started questioning their teachers, “Is this true?” Others opted for alternatives in the canteen. That single board initiated serious discussions.
This low-cost, easy-to-make device had a mighty effect: visual learning altered behaviour. It taught us that actual awareness doesn’t necessarily require lectures—it requires something tangible, comparable, and surprising.
How Schools and Parents Can Cooperate
While CBSE and other boards cover elementary health education, it is apparent that schools must look beyond the curriculum. Healthy habits have to be inculcated early—and reaffirmed at home.
Here’s how schools and parents can cooperate:
- Place Sugar Boards in canteens, snack shop areas, or class corridor walkways
- Promote nutrition-related activities for biology or general science
- Educate pupils on food label reading and interpreting sugar levels
- Engage parents in home food tracking activities and sugar exchanges
- Conduct awareness workshops with live demonstrations using actual sugar packets
Building Healthier Futures Aiming For One Step at a Time
At Prime India Foundation, we believe that all children have a right to grow up empowered with the knowledge and authority to make healthful choices. It takes schools, families, and organizations working together to make this a reality.
Let’s end health being an afterthought. Let’s put it front and center.
Let’s let kids know what’s on their plate—and what that holds for their future.
Since when we assist children in making better decisions today, we create a healthier tomorrow.