ARTICLE
Enhancing Food Security Through Green Canteen Initiatives A Case Study of the Role of Elementary Schools in Sustainable Nutrition Education Istiqomah o 1.
Laurensia Claudia Pratomo o, uO, 2.
Dian Isnawati o, 3
OPEN ACCESS
Citation: Istiqomah.
Pratomo.
, &
Isnawati.
Enhancing Food Security Through Green Canteen Initiatives:
A Case Study of the Role of Elementary Schools in Sustainable Nutrition Education.
Jurnal Bina Praja, 17.
https://doi.
org/10.
21787/jbp.
Submitted: 23 May 2025 Accepted: 23 August 2025 Published: 30 August 2025 A The Author.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercialShareAlike 4.
0 International License.
Jenderal Soedirman University.
Purwokerto.
Indonesia
1, 2, 3, 4
uO laurensia.
pratomo@unsoed.
Abstract: The problem of child nutrition in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, remains a serious issue due to the triple burden of malnutrition.
Although Indonesia has made progress in reducing malnutrition rates, challenges persist in addressing stunting, undernutrition, and childhood obesity.
Socioeconomic factors and unhealthy dietary patterns further exacerbate these conditions.
Sustainable nutrition education in schools, implemented through green canteen initiatives, serves as a strategy to introduce healthy eating habits from an early age.
This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG.
and the national program Asta Cita, where sustainable nutrition education contributes to strengthening childrenAos food security.
This study aims to explore initiatives for implementing green canteens in primary schools as a means of providing healthy food and promoting sustainable nutrition education to enhance studentsAo food security.
A qualitative approach was employed with data obtained through interviews, observations, and documentation, and analyzed through reduction, display, and conclusion drawing.
The results indicate that green canteens contribute to enhancing studentsAo food security by fostering healthy eating habits and improving nutrition literacy.
Furthermore, the success of the program depends greatly on the involvement of schools, teachers, students, and parents.
These findings reinforce the strategic role of elementary schools as key agents in promoting food security and sustainable nutrition education at the local level.
Keywords: Green Canteen.
Food Security.
Sustainable Nutrition Education.
Sustainable Development Goals.
Asta Cita.
JURNAL BINA PRAJA
Introduction ChildrenAos health and nutritional intake have increasingly become global issues of concern.
Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand.
Indonesia.
Vietnam, and Cambodia are facing nutritional challenges, including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and a rising prevalence of obesity among children (Ernawati et al.
Pongcharoen et al.
, 2024.
Tan et al.
, 2024.
Widyaningsih et al.
, 2.
This situation poses a significant public health challenge due to the emergence of the triple burden of malnutrition.
It is closely linked to the diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental conditions of each country.
Moreover, nutritional problems are further exacerbated by the disparities between urban and rural populations.
Indonesia made progress in reducing child malnutrition rates in 2023.
cases of malnutrition among children are still being reported (UNICEF, 2024.
There are three major trends of child malnutrition in Indonesia: stunting, undernutrition, and Among these, stunting remains the most critical issue that demands serious Data from UNICEF Indonesia .
showed that in 2013, 37.
2% of children in Indonesia were affected by stunting.
Although the prevalence of stunting decreased 5% in 2023, this figure remains considerably high compared to the rates of undernutrition .
5%) and childhood obesity .
2%) in Indonesia.
An increasing number of children are experiencing obesity compared to previous years, primarily due to unhealthy eating patterns, such as the consumption of foods high in sugar and fat, combined with a lack of physical activity (UNICEF, 2024.
Findings from Banyumas Regency also indicate that primary school students in rural areas experience issues related to undernutrition, while those in urban areas face problems with obesity (Lalita et al.
, 2.
Other findings show that children from low-income households and rural areas are at a higher risk of experiencing stunting and micronutrient deficiencies due to limited access to nutrient-rich foods and healthcare services (Widyaningsih et al.
, 2.
Nevertheless, both urban and rural children are currently facing a similar challenge: the widespread availability of vendors selling unhealthy foods and beverages that are high in sugar, fat, and calories, which may negatively impact their nutritional intake.
In response to these issues, one of the efforts that can be undertaken to prevent malnutrition in children is through strengthening food security (Putra et al.
, 2023.
Sanggelorang et al.
, 2.
Food security was originally used to describe a countryAos independence in terms of food and its ability to meet the energy needs of its population.
However, over time, food security has also been understood as the availability of food and the ease of obtaining it (Cangussu Botelho et al.
, 2.
Food security can also be defined as the ease of access to nutritious food (Butcher et al.
, 2021.
Holloway et , 2.
When food security is unmet, it leads to food insecurity, where access to nutritious food is limited and uncertain (Butcher et al.
, 2.
If food insecurity occurs among children, it can result in a lack of food diversity and nutritional deficiencies, which pose a risk to childrenAos growth and lead to stunting (Patriota et al.
, 2.
Low and insufficient food security can also impact studentsAo motivation to learn and academic achievement (Gamba et al.
, 2.
In line with the SDGs and supporting the national Asta Cita program, schools can introduce food security as a strategy for improving student nutrition education.
Nutrition education in schools plays a crucial role in promoting healthy eating behaviors and preventing childhood obesity (Onur et al.
, 2.
Schools can address food insecurity by implementing programs and policies that promote nutrition, education, and the involvement of various stakeholders in supporting food security among students (Njura et al.
, 2.
Additionally, nutrition education provided by teachers can have Enhancing Food Security Through Green Canteen Initiatives A Case Study of the Role of Elementary Schools in Sustainable Nutrition Education a positive impact on studentsAo eating habits and nutritional knowledge (Cotton et al.
Several studies highlight the importance of proper nutrition intake to achieve food security through educational activities conducted by schools.
These activities may include the implementation of programs that promote nutritious eating (Amorim et al.
, 2.
, school gardening activities combined with agricultural education and life skills (Kasumba, 2.
, and integrating nutrition education into lessons or curricula (Dacunha et al.
, 2.
While sustainable nutrition education can be conducted in various ways, effective teaching strategies are necessary for nutrition education in schools, especially in primary schools (Cotton et al.
, 2020.
Follong et al.
, 2.
One tangible form of this strategy is the implementation of a green canteen, which serves as a model of sustainable nutrition education and provides a healthy eating environment (Onur et al.
, 2.
, locally sourced, sustainable, and environmentally friendly food (Putri et al.
, 2.
thereby strengthening childrenAos food security.
green canteen, or eco canteen, is an effort to create a school canteen that provides This green canteen is an extension of the healthy canteen concept.
In addition to meeting the needs of students and school members, a green canteen also pays attention to the nutritional content of healthy food.
The green canteen also contributes to instilling a love for the environment in primary school students, including reducing plastic waste in daily life.
From a health perspective, the presence of a green canteen in schools is ideal for implementing nutritional health strategies, as the frequency of student visits and the canteenAos reach within the school environment are both very high (Delaney et al.
A green canteen, or healthy canteen, is closely related to important health aspects such as nutritional content, food safety, and the development of healthy eating habits among school-aged children (Dahmani et al.
, 2024.
Devine et al.
, 2.
Therefore, the green canteen focuses on providing healthier and nutritionally balanced meals that offer direct benefits to studentsAo overall health (Kadaryati et al.
, 2.
this context, healthy food refers to items classified as green, which contain lower levels of saturated fat, sugar, and sodium (Delaney et al.
, 2.
while also promoting the availability of fruits and vegetables on the menu (Kadaryati et al.
, 2.
The initiative to implement green canteens is also based on research findings that show many school canteens still provide unhealthy snacks.
The food offered in these canteens contains harmful additives (Handayani et al.
, 2.
and is high in sugar, salt, and fat (Matondang & Yuliaty, 2.
Such foods clearly do not meet studentsAo nutritional needs and pose health risks, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension in children, thus increasing food insecurity.
To avoid these risks, green canteens can collaborate with local households or communities near the school to provide food that is prepared with greater attention to the nutritional value for studentsAo health.
When linked to environmental issues, the green canteen contributes to reducing food waste generated from both food production processes and consumer leftovers (Lorenz-Walther & Langen, 2.
This effort can be realized through the implementation of green canteen practices that involve consumers in purchasing procedures designed to achieve zero plate waste, thereby minimizing waste processing activities that affect the sanitation and cleanliness of the canteen (Thongplew et , 2.
Furthermore, schools can pay more attention to product packaging that may increase the risk of students consuming microplastics, while ensuring that the food consumed by students maintains its nutritional quality.
Foods that are typically packaged in plastic and wax paper can be replaced with banana leaves, and instead of using a stapler, food skewers made from coconut leaf spines or bamboo skewers can be used for sealing.
The canteen can also provide reusable eating utensils, such as those made from stainless steel or ceramic.
JURNAL BINA PRAJA
However, several studies have indicated that the implementation of green canteens is often ineffective and difficult to apply in Indonesia.
It was found that 84% of school canteens in Indonesia do not meet hygiene and sanitation standards (Hadi et al.
, 2.
Many school canteens lack adequate infrastructure, such as proper handwashing facilities, and are generally poorly maintained (Rahmiwati et al.
, 2.
In addition, canteen management is often handled informally, with limited regulation, monitoring, and supervision from schools (Rachmadewi et al.
, 2.
From the perspective of school food vendors, many express concern that their products will not sell because healthy foods are often less appealing to studentsAo taste preferences (Kadaryati et al.
Furthermore, sales from healthy food are perceived as less profitable (Coady et , 2.
since foods with lower nutritional quality are generally cheaper than healthier options (Haynes et al.
, 2.
Vendors also face challenges due to limited access to tools or packaging materials that meet food safety regulations, making it difficult to comply with proper food handling procedures (Ramos & Despojo, 2.
Another challenge comes from student behavior, which can hinder the success of green canteen For instance, when schools implement programs that require students to bring their own meals, students are less likely to purchase food from the canteen, making the green canteen program irrelevant on those days (Lorenz-Walther & Langen.
Changing studentsAo attitudes and behaviors toward healthy food purchases and food waste reduction requires more time and a systematic approach (Evenhuis et , 2.
Kadaryati et al.
also found that students are often reluctant to adopt zero-waste practices in the canteen, as they prefer using disposable plastic cups that are convenient to carry without needing to return them.
The implementation of green canteen practices is further constrained by poor environmental management, as no monitoring systems are in place to record food waste generated during the production and consumption process (Sousa et al.
, 2.
Due to the various challenges faced in implementing green canteens in Indonesia, it is essential to conduct a deeper investigation into how schools can optimize their role in promoting green canteens not only as providers of healthy food but also as platforms for sustainable nutrition education among elementary school students.
Therefore, this study aims to fill this gap by identifying the efforts made to implement green canteens in providing healthy meals and sustainable nutrition education in elementary schools.
In addition, the study seeks to explore studentsAo and teachersAo perceptions of green canteens and examine the schoolAos role in supporting sustainable nutrition education.
Methods This study employed a qualitative case study focusing on the implementation of the green canteen at SDN Kedondong.
Banyumas Regency, conducted over a three-month period (JanuaryAeMarch 2.
Data were obtained from three key respondentsAithe school principal, the teacher who initiated sustainable nutrition education, and the canteen managerAithrough interviews, observations, and documentation of school Each interview lasted about 45Ae60 minutes and was conducted onsite.
Data validity was ensured through triangulation across methods, sources, and researchers, followed by cross-checking of transcripts and observation notes to maintain consistency and minimize bias.
This study used purposive sampling, which involves selecting subjects based on specific considerations and objectives.
The research subjects who meet these criteria are: .
the school principal, .
the teacher who initiated the green canteen, and .
the teacher managing the canteen.
These three subjects were chosen based on their involvement and roles in supporting and monitoring the implementation of the Enhancing Food Security Through Green Canteen Initiatives A Case Study of the Role of Elementary Schools in Sustainable Nutrition Education green canteen initiative at SDN Kedondong over several periods.
Table 1 presents the respondent data from SDN Kedondong for this study.
Table 1.
Respondent Data Respondent Name Description A 58-year-old male, the school principal, with a bachelorAos degree as the highest level of education.
EAW
A 41-year-old female, a teacher and initiator of sustainable nutrition education, with a bachelorAos degree as the highest level of education.
RBH
A 52-year-old female, a teacher and manager of the green canteen, with a bachelorAos degree as the highest level of education.
The data collection techniques used in this study include interviews, observations, and documentation.
The researcher asked the respondents to provide information about the green canteen initiative at the primary school as part of implementing student food security and the ongoing sustainable nutrition education processes at the school.
The observations conducted by the researcher used a non-participant observation technique, as the researcher was an independent observer and not involved in the topic being studied.
The observations in this research included recording interview results, followed by the analysis of the information to conclude the implementation of the green canteen in primary schools.
Each preparation, process, and implementation of the green canteen, which the primary school had archived, was then documented by the researcher in the form of recordings and photographs.
The collected data was then analyzed through three stages: data collection, data reduction, verification and conclusion drawing.
Interviews, observations, and documentation also serve as one of the techniques for measuring data validity used in this study, specifically the triangulation method In addition to method triangulation, data validity in this study was also measured using data triangulation and researcher triangulation.
Data triangulation in this research was carried out by comparing information obtained from different research subjects: the school principal, the teacher who initiated the green canteen, and the teacher managing the canteen.
This study also employed researcher triangulation, where two researchers were involved in the data collection, analysis, and interpretation process, with the goal of reducing subjectivity and enhancing the validity of the research results.
All collected data were subsequently analyzed collectively by presenting the data from each researcherAos perspective.
The analysis results were then discussed to ensure that the conclusions drawn were not based solely on one researcherAos viewpoint but represented the validation of various perspectives within the research team.
Data analysis in this study involved the stages of reduction, data display, verification and conclusion drawing.
The data reduction process enabled categorizing information from each respondent related to the schoolAos role in implementing the green canteen, policies regarding the green canteen, its implementation, and its impact on food security and student nutrition education.
If any information was found to be irrelevant to the study, it was eliminated.
The categorized data were presented in a structured display, including flow diagrams, to illustrate and analyze the implementation of the green canteen and its impact on food security and nutrition education at the school.
The final stage involved verification and drawing conclusions from the analyzed data, which had undergone the triangulation process to ensure data validity.
The conclusions of this study aim to clarify the impact of the schoolAos role in sustainable nutrition education and explain the relationship between the green canteen and food Data verification in this study was conducted by comparing data from various JURNAL BINA PRAJA sources, such as the statements of the school principal, teachers, and the researcherAos observation results, to ensure data consistency.
Results and Discussion This research was conducted at SDN Kedondong.
Sokaraja District.
Banyumas Regency.
Central Java.
The subjects of this study were the principal of SD Negeri Kedondong, the coordinator of the healthy canteen program, and the canteen staff.
The number of data sources in this study was based on the consideration that qualitative research prioritizes the quality of information rather than the number of informants.
The results of interviews with several informants indicated that the green canteen at SDN Kedondong plays an important role in sustainable nutrition, and in the long term, there is a connection between the green canteen and food security.
All parties involved accepted the green canteen program positively.
A fundamental point of concern was the role of the school in sustainable nutrition education, which includes the types of food provided in the school canteen, the sources of food used, the initiatives taken by the school regarding sustainable nutrition education, and the involvement of students and parents in the green canteen and food security.
The next discussion focuses on the perceptions of students and teachers regarding the green canteen, which includes their views on the quality and variety of the food, their perceptions of the canteenAos impact on health and eating habits, and their views on the educational program about healthy food.
The final discussion addresses the connection between the green canteen and food security.
The Role of Schools in Sustainable Nutrition Education Schools play a strategic role in shaping healthy eating patterns in children from an early age.
Sustainable nutrition education in schools focuses not only on providing nutritious food but also on building awareness and promoting better food consumption In this context, implementing a green canteen becomes a key strategy for enhancing student food security by providing healthy, high-quality food and promoting sustainable nutrition education.
The introduction of green canteens in elementary schools has shown a positive impact in forming healthier food consumption habits among students.
Schools act as facilitators in creating an environment that supports healthy eating patterns by providing nutritious food, educating students on the importance of healthy food choices, and involving various stakeholders, including teachers, students, and parents, in the management of school canteens.
Through this approach, nutrition education becomes an integrated part of studentsAo daily lives, helping to establish better and more sustainable food consumption habits.
One important aspect of the successful implementation of a green canteen is the type of food provided in the school canteen.
The food served must meet balanced nutrition standards and minimize the use of harmful food additives.
In this study, it was found that the green canteen at SDN Kedondong offers a variety of healthy foods, including complex carbohydrate sources such as tubers, high-quality protein from fish, tofu, and tempeh, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits, in the studentsAo daily menus.
Furthermore, the school also reduces the use of sugary or caffeinated beverages, replacing them with plain water and fruit juices without added sugar.
This food provision aims not only to improve the nutritional quality of students but also to reduce the consumption of processed foods high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats.
In addition to considering the types of food provided, the sources of food used in the green canteen also play a key role in supporting the sustainability of the program.
Enhancing Food Security Through Green Canteen Initiatives A Case Study of the Role of Elementary Schools in Sustainable Nutrition Education In this study.
SDN Kedondong tends to use locally sourced ingredients from nearby plantations, ensuring the availability of fresh and healthy food while contributing to the economic sustainability of the local community.
Furthermore, the school reduces its reliance on processed products by using more natural and fresh ingredients in food preparation.
This approach aligns with food safety principles, as the school also provides training for canteen staff in hygiene and food safety practices.
Sustainable nutrition education in schools does not only rely on providing healthy food in the canteen but also requires various initiatives to increase studentsAo understanding and awareness of healthy eating patterns.
Based on the findings of this study, schools that implement green canteens generally offer various nutrition education programs, including workshops and seminars on healthy eating, cooking demonstrations with nutritious ingredients, and healthy eating campaigns that involve both students and teachers.
Additionally, schools integrate nutrition education into the curriculum through science subjects (IPA).
Another effort involves monitoring studentsAo food consumption, where the school actively observes studentsAo eating habits in the canteen and conducts surveys regarding healthy food preferences offered.
In some cases, schools also collaborate with health institutions and academics to provide counseling and guidance on implementing effective green canteen policies.
The success of implementing green canteens in supporting sustainable nutritional education is also highly influenced by the active involvement of students and parents.
Student participation in various green canteen programs is not limited to consuming healthy food but also include canteen management and peer education activities on healthy eating.
Some schools involve students in selecting healthy menus and cooking practices in the canteen as part of efforts to raise awareness about the importance of good nutrition intake.
Additionally, some schools develop school gardens as an additional food source for the canteen, where students participate in planting and harvesting vegetables that are then used as food ingredients in the canteen.
Besides student involvement, the role of parents is also crucial in supporting the sustainability of the green canteen program.
Schools actively involve parents through various educational programs aimed at aligning healthy eating patterns at school with those practiced at home.
In some cases, parents form communities that help provide healthy food ingredients for the school canteen or partners in nutrition education for students.
This collaborative approach demonstrates that enhancing student food security is not only the responsibility of the school but also requires full support from families and the surrounding community.
StudentsAo and TeachersAo Perceptions of the Green Canteen The implementation of green canteens in elementary schools focuses not only on providing healthy food but also on fostering studentsAo and educatorsAo awareness of the importance of a nutritious and sustainable diet.
StudentsAo and teachersAo perceptions are crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of this program, particularly regarding food quality, its impact on health and eating habits, and the effectiveness of the nutrition education program.
The quality and variety of food provided in the school canteen are primary factors in the success of implementing a green canteen.
Based on the research findings, both students and teachers had varied views on this aspect.
The majority of students appreciated the availability of a more diverse healthy menu compared to conventional canteens, particularly with the inclusion of local food options such as fresh vegetables, plant-based proteins, and beverages without added sugar.
However, some students also expressed that the limited availability of certain food options posed a challenge, particularly for those who were accustomed to consuming processed JURNAL BINA PRAJA foods or more convenient snacks.
As a result, some students resorted to purchasing food outside the school, even from distant locations.
Meanwhile, teachers generally had a more positive perception of the quality of food provided in the green canteen.
They assessed that the nutritional standards applied in the food offerings helped improve studentsAo nutritional intake, particularly by reducing the consumption of foods high in sugar and saturated fats.
However, some teachers also mentioned the need to increase menu variety to prevent students from becoming bored, as well as the importance of innovating food presentation to make it more appealing to children.
Perceptions of the impact of the green canteen on studentsAo health and eating habits showed varied results.
Most students recognized that the food provided in the canteen was healthier than the snacks they bought from outside the school.
Some even began to adopt better eating habits, such as increasing their consumption of fruits and vegetables and reducing their intake of processed foods.
However, challenges remained in changing the preferences of some students who tend to favor fast food.
From the perspective of educators, the green canteen policy was viewed as having a positive impact on raising studentsAo awareness of nutrition.
The teachers involved in this study expressed that the presence of the green canteen encouraged students to become more mindful of their food choices.
Some teachers also noted a change in studentsAo behavior regarding the selection of healthier foods, although obstacles remained, such as the habit of students bringing snacks from outside the school.
addition to the food provided, the effectiveness of the green canteen also heavily depends on the educational programs implemented at the school.
According to the study findings, most students believed that the nutritional education provided at school had given them new insights into the importance of a nutritious diet.
Programs such as healthy cooking demonstrations, education on the nutritional content of food, and healthy eating campaigns were considered quite effective in raising awareness.
However, some students suggested that more interactive and hands-on educational methods could further enhance their understanding.
Meanwhile, teachers generally held positive views about the nutrition education programs implemented at school.
They considered the integration of healthy food topics into the school curriculum a good step toward fostering healthy eating habits from an early age.
However, some teachers emphasized the need to improve educatorsAo capacity to deliver nutrition content in a way that is more engaging and practical for Overall, studentsAo and teachersAo perceptions of the green canteen indicate that the program has a positive impact on studentsAo eating habits and nutrition Although challenges remain in terms of food variety, student preferences, and the effectiveness of nutrition education, the implementation of the green canteen is still viewed as a strategic step in enhancing food security and improving studentsAo health in elementary schools.
Therefore, further innovation is needed in providing more diverse menus, adopting more interactive educational strategies, and enhancing the role of teachers in supporting the sustainability of this program.
The Relationship Between the Green Canteen and Food Security The concept of the green canteen is closely linked to efforts aimed at improving food security among elementary school students.
The green canteen not only provides healthy food but also serves as an educational tool in fostering studentsAo awareness of the importance of a nutritious and sustainable diet.
Food security encompasses aspects such as the availability, accessibility, and sustainable utilization of nutritious In this context, the green canteen becomes a mechanism to ensure that students Enhancing Food Security Through Green Canteen Initiatives A Case Study of the Role of Elementary Schools in Sustainable Nutrition Education have access to healthy food while also gaining an understanding of the importance of maintaining a healthy diet in the long term.
By offering food based on fresh and nutritious local ingredients, the green canteen helps enhance studentsAo access to healthy food.
Additionally, regulations regarding the selection of nutritionally balanced food help reduce the consumption of processed foods that are high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats.
Thus, the green canteen not only plays a role in improving the quality of studentsAo food intake but also in promoting healthier eating habits as part of efforts to maintain food security for the younger generation.
The presence of the green canteen at SDN Kedondong has had a positive impact on increasing studentsAo knowledge about healthy food.
Through various educational programs accompanying the implementation of the green canteen, students gain a better understanding of the importance of choosing food with balanced nutritional These educational programs are typically conducted through socialization, nutrition workshops, and the incorporation of healthy food topics into the curriculum.
Based on the research findings, students who are accustomed to the green canteen have shown an increased awareness of the nutritional content of food and its impact on health.
They are more aware of the difference between healthy and unhealthy foods and are better able to make better choices in their daily consumption.
With improved nutritional literacy, it is hoped that healthy eating patterns can be consistently applied both at school and at home, thereby contributing to better long-term food security.
In addition to improving knowledge, the green canteen also contributes to changing studentsAo eating habits towards healthier choices.
Students who have access to nutritious food within the school environment tend to adopt better eating habits compared to those who rely on unhealthy snacks.
Findings from this study indicate that the green canteen encourages students to consume more fruits and vegetables, reduce the intake of fast food, and limit their consumption of sugar and processed While dietary changes do not occur instantly, consistent implementation of the green canteen, supported by effective educational programs, can help students build healthier food consumption habits.
In the long run, these changes not only impact individual health but also contribute to creating a generation that is more aware of the importance of food security.
Overall, the relationship between the green canteen and food security is reflected in studentsAo access to healthy food, improved nutritional literacy, and better eating habits.
With an increasing number of schools adopting the green canteen concept, it is expected that food security among school-aged children will continue to improve, thus supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals in the health and education sectors.
Conclusion The findings of this study indicate that the implementation of green canteens in elementary schools plays a crucial role in enhancing studentsAo food security by providing healthy meals and fostering sustainable nutrition awareness.
The green canteen serves as a learning setting that integrates environmental and health education into daily school practices.
By prioritizing nutritious local ingredients and reducing the consumption of processed foods, this program has successfully encouraged healthier eating behaviors and improved studentsAo nutrition literacy.
This study also emphasizes that the success of green canteen initiatives depends on the active involvement of various stakeholders, especially teachers, students, and parents, as well as the presence of supportive school policies for sustainable canteen management.
A new argument emerging from this research is that the green canteen serves not only as a medium for nutritional education but also as a strategic instrument for building a sustainable local food ecosystem within the school environment.
However, this study JURNAL BINA PRAJA has several limitations.
The research was conducted in only one school, and the qualitative approach used did not allow for quantitative measurement of studentsAo nutritional outcomes.
Future research is therefore recommended to expand the study area by including more schools and adopting a mixed-methods approach to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the impact of green canteens on studentsAo food security and health.
In addition, future studies could explore how green canteen programs can be integrated into nutrition education curricula and sustainable school policy frameworks.
Acknowledgment We would like to express our gratitude to Kendondong Elementary School.
Banyumas Regency.
Central Java Province, for their support and assistance during this research.
All the data provided by the school enabled us to conduct a more in-depth analysis of the information we needed to support this study.
References