The two-day Nestlé Healthy Kids programme took place on 23 and 24 March at Bryandale and Shukkami primary schools.
The programme focused on teaching schoolchildren about the importance of good nutrition, drinking water, exercise and leading a healthy lifestyle.
According to recent media reports based on multiple professional nutrition studies, South Africa is currently experiencing an increase in overweight and obese children and adolescents. This has led to the explosion of non-communicable diseases related to poor nutrition and sedentary lifestyles.
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Schoolchildren between the ages of six and 12 took part in cookery workshops led by a trained chef from Nestlé. They were taught about different food groups and the benefits of eating healthy, and also the importance of food portion control. In addition, they participated in multiple sporting codes including soccer, netball, basketball, volleyball, hoola hooping, skipping rope and boot camp exercises. The sport and physical activities were conducted by Nestlé volunteers.
During the cookery workshop, about 40 schoolchildren prepared healthy lunchboxes from a wide selection of healthy ingredients which were put on display at the local Nestlé Healthy Kid’s spaza shop. When the lunchbox preparation exercise was completed, the chef chose and rewarded the best prepared and healthiest of all the lunchboxes.
Nestlé South Africa spokesperson, Motshidisi Mokwena said, “Through the programme, we intend to reach out to as many children as possible and we want to partake in the process of educating our youth about good food choices and securing healthier futures.
“Children should know very early in their lives that eating well and taking part in physical activities will have a positive impact on their lives.”
Edited by Stacey Woensdregt
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