Date: January 22, 2025.

Place: Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya (ASPCAT) in Barcelona.

In January 2025, I attended the presentation of the guide “Acompanyar els àpats dels infants. Consells per a les famílies i per als menjadors escolars” at the Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya (ASPCAT) in Barcelona. The event featured a panel discussion with professionals and representatives from various organizations, including the Societat Catalana de Pediatria, Associació de Mestres Rosa Sensat, aFFaC, Acellec, and journalists. They shared their perspectives on the needs and challenges faced by children and adolescents in achieving a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the main points of the presented guide were introduced, providing practical advice for families and school canteens to support children’s nutritional needs.

Competences:

• Systematic understanding of a field of study and mastery of research skills and methods related to that field.
• Ability to conceive, design or create, put into practice and adopt a substantial research or creation process.
• Ability to carry out a critical analysis and evaluation and synthesis of new and complex ideas.
• Ability to communicate with the academic and scientific community and with society in general about their fields of knowledge in the modes and languages ​​commonly used in the international scientific community.
• Ability to find the key questions that must be answered to solve a complex problem.
• Ability to design and develop innovative projects.

Reflection on the Learning Undertaken:

Participating in this event provided me valuable insights into the importance of promoting healthy eating habits among children.  The discussions emphasized the role of different stakeholders, including educators, healthcare professionals, and families, in fostering a supportive environment for children’s meals.

One of the key takeaways was the significance of collaboration between various entities to ensure the successful implementation of the guide’s recommendations. The panel highlighted the importance of creating a positive mealtime experience for children, which can enhance their overall well-being and development. Additionally, the event underscored the need for continuous education and communication among all parties involved to address challenges and improve practices.

Overall, attending this presentation reinforced the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and the impact of well-informed, community-based initiatives on public health. The knowledge gained from this event will be instrumental in my doctoral research, particularly in understanding the dynamics of community health promotion and the implementation of effective health strategies.