<![CDATA[Introducing balanced nutrition from an early age is essential for developing healthy eating habits, including children’s interest in consuming vegetables and fruits. Young children require engaging, simple, and experiential educational methods to facilitate their understanding of nutrition. This community service activity aimed to provide balanced nutrition education through a fun cooking activity based on the “My Plate” concept and to foster children’s interest in consuming vegetables and fruits. The activity involved 30 children aged 4–6 years from Kindergarten A and Kindergarten B at PAUD Islamiyah Ar-Rahma, Mompang, North Padang Lawas Regency. The activities included balanced nutrition education, an introduction to the “My Plate” concept, recognition of various vegetables and fruits, and a fun cooking activity in which children arranged food ingredients into simple dishes. Evaluation was conducted through observation of children’s engagement and responses throughout the activities. The results showed that children actively participated in the nutrition education and fun cooking activities and demonstrated interest in identifying, selecting, and arranging various food ingredients, particularly vegetables and fruits. The practical activity provided direct experience in recognizing food groups and applying the “My Plate” concept in preparing a simple meal. Nutrition education through fun cooking can be an engaging approach for introducing balanced nutrition and fostering children’s interest in vegetables and fruits. Continuous involvement of teachers and parents is recommended to support healthy eating habits.]]>
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