PKM Processes High Protein Local Fish as Complementary Food for Breast Milk to Prevent Stunting in Toddlers in Pucak Village

Lecturers at the Faculty of Public Health (FKM) of the Indonesian Muslim University, Mrs. Sumiaty and Mrs. Azrida, together with two students, Dhahrana and Nurul Dea Rahmadani, have carried out community service activities on September 20 2024 in Pucak Village with the themeProcessing Local Fish with High Protein as Complementary Food for Breast Milk (MP-ASI) for Toddlers.

This activity was motivated by the high prevalence of stunting in Pucak Village, which reached 11.66% or 166 children under five. One of the causes of stunting in this region is the lack of protein intake in the food consumed by toddlers, especially in MP-ASI. This low protein intake is caused by the lack of knowledge of mothers of toddlers in processing fish so that their children like it.

The event opened with remarks from the Village Head, Mr. Abdul Razak, and was attended by 15 mothers of toddlers as the main participants. In his speech, Mr. Abdul Razak appreciated this activity because it is believed that it can increase mothers' knowledge in preparing high protein foods, thereby helping prevent and overcome stunting in their children.

This activity begins with education regarding the correct provision of MP-ASI, which includes the time of administration, type of food, texture and amount of food appropriate to the age and needs of toddlers. This educational material was delivered by Mrs. Azrida. Furthermore, the high protein local fish processing activity was led by Mrs. Sumiaty, who explained the benefits of protein from milkfish for the growth of toddlers. Milkfish was chosen because of its protein content, which reaches 20 grams per serving, as well as its easy access.

The participating mothers were involved in the practice of processing fish into fish nuggets and balls, which are easy to prepare with simple ingredients and are liked by children. Mrs. Sumiaty also emphasized the importance of protein in supporting children's growth and development, and how fish can be a delicious and nutritious source of protein. It is hoped that mothers of toddlers can apply these skills at home, in order to provide more nutritious and high protein MP-ASI intake to their children.