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The first step when designing nutrition education programs is to assess the needs of the target group. This foundational step is crucial as it allows the program planners to understand the specific dietary habits, nutritional knowledge, preferences, and existing challenges faced by the population they intend to serve. By gathering this data, program designers can tailor content and delivery methods that are relevant and effective for that specific audience.

Understanding the needs of the target group ensures that the educational materials and messages are appropriate and culturally sensitive. It also helps in identifying gaps in knowledge or areas where intervention is necessary, leading to more impactful educational outcomes. Without this assessment, the objectives and strategies developed may not align with the true needs of the population, potentially resulting in ineffective programming.

Formulating objectives, making a budget, and deciding on the course of action are important subsequent steps but they all rely on the foundational understanding gained from the needs assessment. Thus, starting with this assessment ensures that all other components of the program are built on a solid ground that addresses the real demands of the community.