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Abstract
Balanced nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting optimal growth and development in children and maintaining the overall health of family members. However, limited nutritional knowledge among mothers often leads to unbalanced food intake, which may increase the risk of health problems such as stunting, obesity, anemia, and micronutrient deficiencies. This community service program aimed to improve maternal knowledge through balanced nutrition education using the “Isi Piringku” (My Plate) teaching aid. The activity was conducted in July 2025 in Jaga 5 and 6, Wori Village, involving mothers of children under five years old as participants. A participatory approach was applied through three stages: preparation, implementation, and evaluation. Educational methods included interactive lectures and demonstrations supported by PowerPoint presentations, leaflets, and the “Isi Piringku” visual media. Knowledge was assessed using pre- and post-tests. The results showed a significant improvement in participants’ knowledge, with the proportion of mothers in the good knowledge category increasing from 43.5% before the intervention to 82.6% after. This increase was supported by active participation in discussions and simulations, which facilitated the understanding and application of balanced nutrition concepts. The use of visual aids made abstract concepts more tangible and engaging for participants. In conclusion, balanced nutrition education using the “Isi Piringku” teaching aid proved effective in improving mothers’ knowledge and can be integrated into community health programs to promote healthy eating behaviors and prevent nutritional problems at the family and community levels.