The 2020 Day One by Danone launch got off to a great start at Actonville Primary School on the first day of school on January 15, with the aim of creating awareness around good nutrition and tackling the alarming nutritional inadequacies that came to light in the recent HAKSA (Healthy Active Kids in South Africa) report.
“The Day One campaign is educational and empowers parents and children with tangible advice which can improve a child’s nutrition and well-being,” said Leanne Keizer, scientific and regulatory affairs manager, Danone Southern Africa.
“There are five simple messages we are aiming to entrench – eat breakfast every day, eat more fruit and vegetables, have milk, maas or yoghurt every day, drink more water and exercise.
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“Our 2020 campaign is of particular importance as it fits into our global One Planet. One Health vision, which reflects our belief that the health of people and that of the planet are interlinked and both need to be protected and nurtured.”
“Through the Day One campaign, we will be emphasising nutrition habits that can help address our children’s deficiencies.
“Health happens every day and it is important to make the right choices. Evidence shows that prioritising children’s nutrition can enhance their health, development and school performance and there is no better way to start this than their first day of school, hence we are targeting the Grade One learners.
“It is an unfortunate fact that we only recognise the symptoms of bad eating when it is too late,” said Keizer.
While the learners participated in fun activities, parents received helpful advice on simple and inexpensive ways to bring up a healthy child.
Keizer emphasised that recycling and water conservation are important.
“The Actonville learners were each given a recycled one kilogram NutriDay yoghurt tub to plant vegetables, which they will nurture and grow throughout the year.
“Danone has further provided a JOJO tank to gather rainwater to use to irrigate the food garden.
“This is all in line with our One Planet. One Health vision,” Keizer added.
