Patna : The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, observed World Food Day 2026 with a food exhibition aimed at promoting balanced nutrition, healthy eating habits and awareness of the health benefits of locally available foods.
Organised by the institute’s Department of Dietetics at the Inpatient Department (IPD) foyer, the exhibition targeted patients, their attendants, hospital staff and other visitors. It highlighted the nutritional value of millets, pulses, galactagogues and locally available seasonal foods commonly found in Bihar.
The displays encouraged visitors to incorporate traditional and locally sourced ingredients into their daily diets, with particular emphasis on improving dietary diversity, supporting maternal health and making informed food choices.
Exhibition Highlights Nutritional Benefits Of Traditional Foods
The exhibition showcased a range of food items alongside information about their nutritional value and potential health benefits.
Special attention was given to millets, pulses and seasonal produce, which can contribute to a varied and balanced diet. The display also highlighted galactagogues, foods traditionally associated with supporting breast milk production, in the context of maternal nutrition.
The initiative sought to familiarise visitors with healthier dietary practices and demonstrate how locally available foods can form part of everyday meals.
AIIMS Patna Officials Attend Programme
The programme was attended by Prof. (Brig.) Dr Raju Agarwal, Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Patna, along with Dr Punam Prasad Badhani, Dean (Academics); Prof. Dr Prashant Kumar Singh, Medical Superintendent; Dr Sujit Kumar Sinha, Deputy Medical Superintendent (Hospital Administration); Dr Swarnim, Deputy Medical Superintendent (Diet and Kitchen Services); and Dr Richa Jaiswal, Chief Dietitian.
Patients, attendants, AIIMS personnel and other visitors showed interest in the exhibition and interacted with the displays to learn about the nutritional benefits of different food items.
Focus On Nutrition Awareness And Disease Prevention
The exhibition served as an interactive platform to explain the role of nutrition in maintaining health, supporting recovery and helping prevent diet-related health problems.
Through the initiative, AIIMS Patna reiterated its focus on nutrition awareness and healthier eating habits, highlighting the importance of access to appropriate nutrition and reliable information about food choices.
World Food Day is observed annually on October 16 to raise awareness about food security, nutrition and the importance of access to safe and nutritious food. The AIIMS Patna programme used the occasion to encourage greater awareness of balanced diets and the nutritional value of traditional and seasonal foods.
