Community service initiative: Empowering Mothers in Wongsorejo, Banyuwangi, East Java to Prevent Stunting Through Education and Complementary Feeding Circle Demonstrations

The challenge of stunting in Indonesia remains critical, with the National Basic Health Research of 2018 indicating a high prevalence rate of 30.8%. Addressing stunting effectively requires targeted interventions and behavior change strategies. This community service project aimed to tackle stunting in Wongsorejo, Banyuwangi, East Java, through a comprehensive approach focused on nutrition and complementary feeding practices. The initiative was structured around three main activities: a seminar on stunting, counseling on complementary feeding, and a cooking demonstration. The seminar aimed to enhance understanding of stunting, including its causes, consequences, and preventive measures, with a specific focus on the role of mothers. The counseling sessions were designed to educate mothers about the implementation of complementary feeding circles to ensure their infants receive adequate nutrition. The cooking demonstration provided practical guidance on preparing nutritious complementary foods using local ingredients. This community service project targeted mothers in the Wongsorejo area, along with representatives from local health centers and community leaders. The objective was to improve knowledge and practices related to stunting prevention, nutrition, and healthy feeding habits. Methods included educational seminars, interactive counseling, and practical demonstrations. Overall, this project seeks to empower mothers with the necessary knowledge and skills to combat stunting, thereby contributing to improved child health and nutrition in the Wongsorejo community. The effectiveness of these activities was evaluated through pre- and post-intervention assessments.