Food Demonstration: HFDI Educates Caregivers in Kwara On Preparation Of Tom Brown Locally 

By Titilola Olaniyan,

Hope for family Development Initiative (HFDI) organized a community-based caregivers’ forum, aimed to promote improved child nutrition through practical training on the preparation of a nutritious local complementary food known as Tom-Brown.

The education of the caregivers on how to prepare Tom Brown using locally available ingredients, is to promote healthy feeding practices among caregivers, and also to encourage interactive learning and address caregivers’ questions on child nutrition.

The food demonstration session organised by Hope for Family Development Initiative HFDI held at Baba Sikiru compound, Laduba Community Ogidi in Ilorin South local, Ehingbo Community in Irepodun local government, Ile-Essa Erin Ile Community, Halleluyah Community Offa, and Apata Asa local government of Kwara state.

The HFDI team Sulyman Kofoworóla, Edungbóla Susan Óluwakémi, Oladimeji Temitope Morenikeji and Kolawole Mujidat at the organisations programme under GC7/N-THRIP Project revealed to the caregivers that the local recipe for Tom- Brown, a highly nutritious and affordable complementary food include: Soya beans, Millet, Date, Dry fish, Jero, Groundnut, Crayfish and Maize.

The food demonstration shows the ingredients dried thoroughly, before being grounded into powder form, the portion mixed and stirred, then cooked in boiling water while being stirred continuously to form a smooth, thick pap.

The caregivers actively participated in the session and expressed deep appreciation for the training. Some of the participants specifically commended the HFDI team for the opportunity, noting the importance of improving child nutrition in the community.

The session was interactive as some of the caregivers asked questions about child feeding practices, food preservation, and ingredient alternatives, as they were empowered with practical knowledge on preparing nutritious food for their children.