The “Eat Right” Campaign: Transforming Lives Through Nutrition, an Ashakiranam Way

In the picturesque coastal city of Quilon in the vibrant state of Kerala, the Quilon Social Service Society (QSSS) has embarked on a transformative journey through its “Eat Right” campaign. This initiative is not just a beacon of hope in the fight against cancer but also a celebration of healthy living. As a key partner in the Ashakiranam Cancer Care Campaign, QSSS, Quilon, has ingeniously woven the fabric of cancer prevention into the rich tapestry of community engagement. The “Eat Right” campaign, a pioneering safe food promotion program, is leaving an indelible mark on the lives of the people it touches.

In the lush and vibrant state of Kerala, the Ashakiranam Campaign by Caritas India has emerged as a beacon of hope and transformation. Rooted in the conviction that prevention is the cornerstone of holistic well-being, Ashakiranam has directed its focus towards cancer prevention with an emphasis on safe food promotion and the cultivation of healthy lifestyles at the family level. At the forefront of this impactful initiative is the “Eat Right” campaign, a program adopted by the Quilon Social Service Society (QSSS) that resonates with the core values of Ashakiranam.

At the core of the “Eat Right” campaign lies a simple yet powerful gesture – the free distribution of natural vegetable soup. Every first Sunday of the month, as the sun rises over the Quilon Sea shore, QSSS, Quilon, sets in motion a noble activity that reaches nearly 500 people. The sea shore, a gathering place for hundreds of families and friends seeking leisure and enjoyment, becomes the canvas upon which the mission of transmitting the great message of “Eat Right” unfolds. “You don’t have to Eat Less, You just have to Eat Right” echoes as the rallying cry of a campaign that transcends traditional health initiatives. “In the journey of life, every bite we take is a choice, a choice that shapes not only our health but also our destiny. The ‘Eat Right’ campaign reminds us that we don’t have to eat less; we just have to eat right, nourishing our bodies and souls with the vitality they deserve” said by Rev. Fr. Baiju Julian the Executive Director, QSSS, Quilon.

In the backdrop of this initiative is a growing concern for the younger generation’s inclination towards junk food and unhealthy eating habits. QSSS, Quilon, acknowledges the potential disaster looming in the future if this trend persists. It recognizes that unhealthy food choices not only impact individuals but ripple through families, potentially creating a major health crisis. The “Eat Right” campaign emerges as a response to this urgency, a proactive effort to instil positive change in dietary attitudes and habits.

QSSS, Quilon, has strategically partnered with Azeezzia College of Dental Science to augment the impact of the campaign. Beyond the monthly soup distribution, the college facilitates awareness classes, imparting valuable knowledge on the significance of a healthy diet. Brochures and leaflets disseminate this essential message among the crowds, creating an environment of enlightenment. This collaboration acts as an eye-opener for individuals, prompting a shift in their mindset towards healthier dietary choices. As people rush towards fast food in today’s fast-paced world, the “Eat Right” campaign becomes a beacon of change, a program that has the potential to reshape attitudes towards diet and well-being. Dr. Arathy, HOD, Department of Dental & Research Science Azeezzia college spoke that “Let our plates be a canvas of well-being, each ingredient a stroke of resilience against the canvas of life. ‘Eat Right’ is not just a campaign; it’s a brush that paints a picture of health, reminding us that the palette of nutrition holds the key to a vibrant and fulfilling existence.”

“The ‘Eat Right’ Campaign is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of life’s rich palette. Join us in this culinary journey towards a healthier, happier you” said by Mr. Rineesh Antony, Ashakiranam DLO, QSSS, Quilon. The unique strength of the “Eat Right” campaign lies in its focus on family-level changes. By targeting the very heart of communities, this initiative seeks to cultivate a ripple effect that extends beyond individuals to shape entire households. It’s not just about distributing vegetable soup on the Quilon Sea shore; it’s about sowing seeds of awareness and transformation that take root within families, influencing dietary choices and lifestyle habits. The campaign echoes the powerful message that healthy living is not an isolated endeavour but a collective journey, with families acting as the nucleus of positive change.

In the soul-stirring landscape of Quilon, the “Eat Right” campaign by QSSS stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives. Beyond the distribution of soup, it serves as a catalyst for change in the way people approach nutrition. As we navigate the currents of modern living, campaigns like these become lighthouses, guiding us towards healthier shores. QSSS, Quilon, through its relentless pursuit of well-being, sets an inspiring example for communities nationwide, proving that a small act of kindness can transform lives and safeguard the future. The “Eat Right” campaign is not just a program; it is a movement that nourishes not only bodies but also the spirit of collective responsibility and positive change.