Healthy eating at school, but junk food outside: Bengaluru schools face a tough challenge

Bengaluru's schools are adopting healthy eating practices, but principals face a challenge as children often consume junk food outside campus. CBSE and international schools have implemented sugar and oil boards to educate students on moderate consumption. Latha M., director of Sandeepani Academy for Excellence, has a 12-year-old food policy restricting maida, sugar, fried foods, and processed snacks.

Parents are advised to pack healthy alternatives like nuts and fruits, though some still send cakes and chocolates for birthdays. The state government recently banned junk food within a 50-meter radius of schools, but principals acknowledge they cannot control children's food choices when they leave campus. Prathima Patil, principal of Ryan International Academy, emphasizes daily fruit breaks and visual learning through sugar boards.

Inventure Academy provides balanced meals and uses a mobile app developed by Grade 11 students to help identify unhealthy processed foods.