Education Today
From Chips to Makhana: How Bengaluru Schools Are Leading a Healthy Food Revolution
Education Today

From Chips to Makhana: How Bengaluru Schools Are Leading a Healthy Food Revolution

A quiet but impactful transformation occurs across school cafeterias and tuck shops in Bengaluru. In a commendable response to new advisories by CBSE and ICSE, educational institutions are phasing out high-sugar and oily snacks in favour of healthier, nutrient-rich alternatives. This shift is not just about diet—it reflects a growing awareness of children’s long-term health and how schools can shape lifelong habits.

Why the Change? National Boards Take a Stand

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) have issued strong advisories urging schools to curb sugar consumption among students. These boards have not only recommended reducing the sale of processed food but also called for the installation of awareness boards on campuses to educate children about daily permissible sugar intake and the consequences of poor eating habits.

This move comes against the backdrop of a worrying trend—rising Type 2 diabetes, obesity, dental issues, and metabolic disorders among school children, all linked to the easy availability of sugary snacks and drinks.

Healthy Snacking in Action: What’s Changing in School Menus?

The change is visible and specific. From Delhi Public School-North to Navkis Education Centre and St Joseph’s Boys High School, schools are revamping their canteen offerings:

  • Samosas now come with mixed vegetable fillings and are served only twice weekly.
  • Toffees and sweets are being replaced with nutrient-packed chikkis (peanut bars).
  • Chips have made way for makhana (fox nuts), roasted peanuts, and other healthier options.
  • Ice cream and soft drinks are out, while fruit yogurt and whole fruits are in.
  • Cakes and pastries have been completely removed from the menu.

Even staple items like vegetable puffs are being moderated. At Delhi Public School-North, for instance, puffs are now served only two days a week. The replacements? Egg and paneer puffs, boiled egg sandwiches, and other protein-rich snacks.

Students Take the Lead: The Power of Student Councils

One of the most encouraging aspects of this initiative is the involvement of students themselves. At Delhi Public School-North, the student council has actively spearheaded the transition.

Ujwal H., a Class 11 student, shared their strategic approach: “Instead of banning everything at once, we're introducing changes step by step so that healthy eating becomes a mindset, not a punishment.” This measured transition aims to develop sustainable eating habits rather than enforce rigid restrictions.

The council conducted a calorie analysis of food items available in the school tuck shop, and their findings led to a phased removal of high-sugar and high-calorie options. This hands-on approach from the student body also sets an example for peer-led change in other institutions.

Beyond the Canteen: A Holistic Health Push

Schools are going beyond the food counter to integrate healthy living into daily school life. For instance:

  • Navkis Education Centre, Gokula, has stopped distributing sweets like laddus and chocolates during school functions. Instead, students receive packets of dry fruits during events like Independence Day and Children’s Day.
     
  • Signboards and posters explaining the recommended sugar intake for children have been placed across school campuses, ensuring that students are continuously reminded of healthier choices.
     
  • Presidency School-Bangalore South has taken it a step further. Although they already had a no-junk policy, they’ve begun conducting special awareness sessions with doctors and integrating discussions on nutrition into class assemblies.
     

Principal J. Bhuvaneswari emphasizes that education and awareness are key: “These issues are being discussed in class assemblies too. Healthy eating is becoming a school culture, not just a canteen rule.”

Managing the Transition: Working with Vendors and Contractors

Collaboration has been critical for schools that outsource their canteen services. At St Joseph’s Boys High School, Principal Fr. Sunil Fernandes shared how the school is guiding its food contractor in phasing out sugary and processed items.

“We’ve asked them not to replenish these items once sold. It’s about creating a gradual shift so children naturally start unlearning their dependence on processed food,” he explained.

This gentle, phased approach is helping prevent backlash while still aligning with the goals of the health advisory.

The Bigger Picture: Food Choices and Academic Success

The boards’ advisories are rooted in physical health concerns and academic well-being. Processed food and sugary snacks have been linked to reduced concentration, sluggishness, and mood swings—factors that can impact classroom performance.

By encouraging healthier food options, schools are investing not only in their students’ bodies but also their minds. Good nutrition has holistic and far-reaching benefits, contributing to academic success and lifelong wellness.

Conclusion: A City-Wide Movement in the Right Direction

Bengaluru schools are setting a strong precedent for institutions across India. This isn't just about swapping chips for makhana—it's about reshaping mindsets, building awareness, and creating environments where children thrive physically and mentally.

With students, principals, and boards working together, the city’s schools are making healthy eating a norm rather than a novelty. As these initiatives gain momentum, the message is clear: real education includes teaching children how to nourish their bodies and minds.