Orphans and Vulnerable Children - CRIN

Note: Some foods fit in more than one category. For example, bananas give energy but they
are also a good source of potassium, an important mineral. Milk and cheese are a good source
of protein and also contain calcium. The healthiest foods often contain the most nutrients.

For this activity you will need:

 Flipchart and markers

 Copies of Handout 1

To facilitate this activity:

1 Explain to the group that no single food contains all the nutrients the body needs in the right
quantities and combinations. Explain that a balanced diet is made up of a variety of foods in
adequate quantities and combinations to supply essential nutrients on a daily basis.
Then discuss the three main categories of foods:
 Energy-giving foods – carbohydrates, fats and oils,
dietary fibre, sugars
 Body-building foods – foods for growth and repair
 Protective foods – vitamins, minerals, vegetables, fruits.
Add that water is also a very important component needed
by the body and its functions.

2 Ask participants to give examples of foods from each
category and what purpose they serve. Supplement their
input with the information from your facilitator’s notes.
If you like, you may use drawings or even bring examples
of foods and ask participants to guess which purpose they
serve.

3 Hand out copies of Handout 1 as reference for their home
visitor’s handbooks.

 Fruits include avocados, mangoes, pawpaws, pumpkin, passion fruit, pineapple and jackfruit.

Oranges, lemons and other citrus fruits are rich sources of vitamin C. Like vegetables, most

fruits are seasonal.

 Vegetablesinclude doodo, nnakati, spinach, pumpkin leaves, cowpea leaves, carrots, cassava

and green peppers. Cabbage is a vegetable that is important mainly as roughage. Vegetables

contain useful immune substances called beta-carotenes. In many cases, vegetables are

seasonal in availability, quality and prices.

 Vitaminsare vital for the body to function properly.

 Minerals are needed for the functioning of the immune system. Important minerals include

iron, selenium, zinc, iodine, calcium and magnesium.

45 minutes

Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children Unit 2, Module 3^227