A Food Competition was organized as part of the project "Nutrition & health advocacy to help rural and vulnerable population groups eat & stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic & beyond" in 16 villages, eight blocks of four targeted districts of Zhemgang, Trongsa, Tsirang, and Lhuentse in January.Community influencers, youth groups, women farmer groups, and other interested members participated in the competition.
Kinzang Dema, one of the competition winners from Pangzur village in Langtshel Block under Trongsa District said, “This was a great experience for my whole village, and the first of its kind. Such competition not only energises us but also imparts useful and effective knowledge about nutrition.”
Another participant, Wangdi from Kamati village under Bjoka block from Zhemgang district, stated, “Although I didn't win the competition, I gained lots of knowledge about nutrition and hygiene. After the competition, I am more mindful regarding the nutrition in the food when I cook at home”.
The respective Field Officers of the Foundation in the districts facilitated the competition with support from Health Assistants, Gewog Officials, District Nutritionists, and Nutrition focal from the nearby schools. Cash prizes were awarded to the winners from each Gewog w. Furthermore, the eight winners (two from each block) will participate in the the final round of the competition in Thimphu f in February. 
The objectives of the activity are to enhance knowledge and awareness of nutritional aspects of locally available food crops, diversify diet sources at a household level, translate knowledge into behavior/practices to sustainably influence demand for healthier diets via community engagement events, and improve food preparation.