Involving youth in USDA Food Safety initiatives facilitates the process of successfully reaching adults with public health messages. Based on desk research carried out by Louisiana State University Ag Center, the Ukrainian experts along with CARD Food Safety staff developed the Consumer Awareness Campaign (CAC) document that explains principles and approaches of the campaign, and outlines details of particular activities. The campaign aims at key target groups of consumers. It intends wide communication to consumers via mass media and through consumer protection groups. The meaning of food safety, consequences of consumption of unsafe food, possible abuses by processors and sellers, and ways of identifying/ avoiding these abuses are covered through the activity.
The training program for school children is an important component of the Campaign. In May, the training was organized in four schools in Syunik, Gegharkunik, and Lori marzes. The audience comprised from 4th through 7th year school children as well as their teachers. Total of 230 kids and 20 adults participated in the training. Basic microbiology, Hand washing and Safe farm were the main topics of the training. For active participation in exercises, all trainees received awards. The project is still in progress and trainings in other marzes will be conducted as well. This activity not only helps CARD Food Safety Department to cover a wide number of children from rural areas, but also ensures continuous chain for communicating food safety information. In addition, it turned to be a very effective activity that reaches not only children but their parents as well, particularly through home assignments. |
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