Socialization Fish Types, Nutritional Content and Benefits of Fish Consumption for Early Childhood in Mendalo Darat Village, Muaro Jambi

Abstract

Fish is a highly nutritious food source rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3, which plays a vital role in children's growth and development. However, fish consumption levels among early childhood children in some areas are still low, including in Jambi Province. This condition can affect children's nutritional status, growth, and development. This Community Service activity aims to improve early childhood understanding of the types of fish, their nutritional content, and the benefits of consuming them for health. The activity was carried out on May 5, 2025, at the Al Hijrah PAUD, Mendalo Darat Village, Muaro Jambi Regency, involving 14 students and four accompanying teachers. The method used was an interactive lecture with supporting media in pictures, fish puppets, educational videos, and a question and answer session to evaluate understanding. The results of the community service showed that the children participated in the activity enthusiastically, actively participated in the discussion session, and could recognize and name several types of fish and their benefits in simple terms. A positive response was also shown by the accompanying teachers, who considered this activity relevant and valuable to support thematic learning in PAUD. In conclusion, this activity fostered initial interest in fish consumption, increased children's basic understanding of nutrition, and became the first step in establishing healthy eating patterns from an early age