Pesantren Students Strengthening Nutrition Literacy and Stunting Prevention Through Health Education and Healthy Food Interventions at MI Tahfidz Al Furqon Ponorogo

Abstract

Background: Stunting remains a major public health issue that affects children’s growth, cognitive development, and long-term productivity. Islamic boarding schools with communal eating systems may face elevated nutritional risks if monitoring is inadequate Purpose: This community engagement program aimed to strengthen nutrition literacy, prevent stunting, and promote healthy eating habits among students at MI Tahfidz Al Furqon Ponorogo through structured education, anthropometric screening, parental counseling, and the introduction of healthy local foods Methods: Activities consisted of nutrition education sessions, growth monitoring, training on nutrient-dense food preparation, and behavioral mentoring. A total of 120 students and 80 parents participated. Results: The program resulted in a 92% increase in nutrition knowledge, a 70% reduction in unhealthy snacks, a 65% improvement in fruit and vegetable intake, and measurable improvements in the nutritional status of 17% of students previously at risk of stunting. Conclusion: The program proved effective and is recommended for replication in schools and other pesantren settings.