Orchids The International School Implements CBSE’s ‘Sugar Board’ Directive; Strengthens Existing Nutrition-Focused Initiatives

Rolls out informative Sugar Boards across campuses to build awareness on added sugar intake
Reinforces long-standing practices like balanced school meals and low-sugar hydration options
Empowers students with hands-on food education through farm-to-plate and nutrition learning

National, May 20, 2025: In response to the CBSE’s recent directive urging schools to establish ‘Sugar Boards’ to address the growing concern of childhood diabetes, Orchids The International School has announced the implementation of a comprehensive Sugar Awareness initiative across its campuses. This move complements the school’s ongoing commitment to nutrition-first education and student well-being.

Speaking on the rollout, Vijay Sreedhar, Culinary Head, Orchids The International School shared, “At Orchids, we believe the classroom extends all the way to the cafeteria. Nutrition isn’t an add-on—it’s an essential part of learning. CBSE’s ‘Sugar Board’ initiative validates the importance of what we’ve been championing for years: helping children understand what’s on their plate, and why it matters. By integrating farm-to-plate experiences, balanced nutritional meals, and now structured sugar awareness tools, we’re not just reducing sugar—we’re raising consciousness. Our goal is to nurture a generation that doesn’t just eat healthy, but thinks healthy.”

Speaking on the implementation, Naresh Ramamurthy, National Academic Head, Orchids The International School said, “These Sugar Boards will provide daily sugar intake guidelines, charts showing sugar content in everyday foods and beverages, and student-led tips and insights. We already have a strict no-junk-food policy on campus, and this initiative takes our commitment further. With nutritionist-led workshops, interactive challenges, and a phased reduction in sugar consumption, we aim to empower students to make healthier, more informed choices that will benefit them well into adulthood.”

Over the years, Orchids has already implemented a series of structured, health-centric initiatives, like:
Balanced School Meals: Orchids’ meal program meets approximately 70% of a child’s daily nutritional needs, offering a carefully curated mix of macro and micronutrients with minimal use of processed sugars
Smart Beverage Options: The school serves Waterfull, a premium flavoured water with 80% less sugar than conventional drinks, promoting hydration without high sugar intake
Farm-to-Plate Model: As India’s first school group to integrate hydroponic and polyhouse farming, students grow vegetables used in their own meals—reinforcing sustainability and nutrition
Food Education Modules: Through projects, classroom discussions, and culinary sessions, students gain critical knowledge on healthy eating habits

Through these proactive steps, Orchids The International School continues to lead by example in fostering a generation that values health, balance, and informed decision-making.