Bhaskar Exclusive: The first 'No Junk Food' village in Porbandar's garage district: Rs. Packets of 5 and 10

Garage village of Porbandar taluka has taken a historic, inspiring decision to maintain the health of children and villagers. Realizing that packaged snacks like fried toys, chips, wafers, namkeen, bhujiya available at Rs 5 and Rs 10 are causing huge harm to the health of children, the entire village has adopted the 'No Junk Food' campaign in unison. With this decision, Garage village has become the first 'No Junk Food' village in Porbandar district. The awareness campaign started after a meeting between Malde Ranmal Gareja of the village, Bharatkumar Amritlal Rudhani, a prominent businessman, and a doctor of the PHC center. The doctor of the PHC center gave guidance on the physical harm caused by junk food, packaged snacks. After this, the Sarpanch, the traders discussed with the villagers and decided to ban this sale completely. A total of 32 shopkeepers in this village with a population of 3500 were selling such branded and local company packets. On an average, each shopkeeper was doing business of Rs 1,000 per day. Thus, for the bright future and health of the children, 32 traders of the village have set an exemplary example by giving up a big temptation of doing business of Rs. 32,000 per day, which is about Rs. 9.60 lakh per month. Decision after the advice of the doctor of the PHC After discussing with the doctor of the PHC center about the harm to the health of children due to packaged foods, he talked to the village leaders. The decision to ban the ban has been taken after discussions so that such packets do not come to the village itself. The traders of the village have now decided not to buy packaged snacks and food items from any vendor or agency. Traders and leaders have taken the responsibility that the traders will not sell such packets. > Santokben Ranmalbhai Gareja, Sarpanch, How does a garage harm the body of children? Packaged snacks priced at Rs 5 and Rs 10 contain excessive amounts of sodium (salt), preservatives, artificial dyes and unhealthy oils like palm oil. Eating these snacks slows down digestion in children, kills appetite and increases the risk of serious problems like obesity, acidity and diabetes at an early age. Also, chemical-laden colours and fried foods weaken children's immune system and hinder physical and mental development.