Students participating in the Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN) program at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), assigned to Dusun Ngodolendo, Ringinanom Village, Parakan District, Temanggung Regency, conducted a socialization activity titled “Getting to Know Healthy Gluten-Free Food for Families.” The event aimed to increase community knowledge about healthy dietary patterns and to encourage the use of local food ingredients that are safer and healthier for families.

The socialization was enthusiastically attended by local residents, especially housewives. During the event, the UNY students explained the basics of what gluten is, the types of foods that contain gluten, and alternative non-gluten food ingredients that are easy to find in the surrounding environment. The session wasn’t just theoretical: it also included a practical demonstration of how to make gluten-free potato cilok as a simple dish that can be applied in everyday life.

The students explained that gluten is a protein found in wheat, flour, and barley, and is commonly present in foods such as bread, noodles, and cakes. For some people—especially those with gluten intolerance, celiac disease, or certain health conditions—consuming gluten can trigger digestive problems or allergic reactions. Therefore, introducing gluten-free food is a step toward building a healthy family lifestyle.

Riezka Amalia Salsabila, the leader of the UNY KKN Ngodolendo team, said the activity was designed to be easy to understand and practical for the community. “We want people to understand that healthy food doesn’t have to be expensive. By using local ingredients like potatoes, tapioca flour, rice, and tubers, families can still prepare nutritious and safe meals,” she said.

She added that the gluten-free potato cilok demonstration was especially engaging for participants. In addition to being delicious, the ingredients used are easy to obtain and affordable. The team hopes residents will try making the dish at home and potentially develop it into a small business opportunity.

The UNY KKN Ngodolendo team included Edisia Permata Nur Islami, Putri Charirotul Firdaus, Alief Kadia Maharani, Salsabila Amalia Noorlaily, Muhamad Autad Musadad, Fajar Nur Ardiyanto, Dyahayu Nurcahyani, Adristi Padmarini, Adinda Nurliana, and Riezka Amalia Salsabila. They were involved in preparing materials, delivering the socialization, and guiding the food demonstration alongside community members.

Through this activity, the students hope that the people of Dusun Ngodolendo will become more aware of the importance of choosing healthy, natural foods that suit the body’s needs. This initiative also reflects UNY students’ concrete contribution in supporting healthy lifestyles and community empowerment based on local potential.