Polije promotes community nutrition through NutriLab Kitchen outreach program

Jember State Polytechnic (Polije), through its Teaching Factory (TEFA) NutriLab Kitchen, held a community service program titled “Optimizing the Role of NutriLab Kitchen in Improving Community Nutrition through Education and Cooking Demonstrations” on September 20–21, 2025, at the Polije campus.

The program, led by Dr. Ir. Rindiani, M.P., involved lecturers Agatha Widiyawati, S.ST., M.Gizi., Dr. Ir. Budi Hariono, M.Si., Dr. Ir. Abi Bakri, M.Si., and Ir. Nurkholis, S.Pt., M.P., IPM. Participants included Polije canteen vendors, members of the PKK women’s group from Curahlele Village, Balung District, and local residents.

Over two days, participants learned about menu planning for local-based supplementary feeding (PMT), food safety, and kitchen sanitation, and joined cooking demonstrations featuring healthy daily menus. Each participant received a recipe booklet to help apply the lessons at home.

“This program provides not only knowledge but also practical skills that can be implemented directly. We hope participants can prepare nutritious meals for their families and communities,” said Dr. Rindiani.

The enthusiasm grew when Chef Tedo Aditya Paramarta demonstrated how to turn local ingredients into healthy and delicious dishes. Through this initiative, Polije reaffirms its commitment to improving community nutrition and promoting the use of local food resources. NutriLab Kitchen is envisioned as an applied culinary learning hub that benefits both the academic community and the wider public.