While many parents were focusing on last-minute shopping for lunch boxes, labelling new school uniforms and packing school bags, excited new
Grade 1 learners from Bordeaux Primary School and their parents started their school year a day early enjoying their DayOne at the Healthy Pledge Festival with Danone.
This colourful festival highlighted and offered solutions to the eating habits that many nutrition experts are most concerned about – missing breakfast, low levels of nutrients such as calcium in the diet, low intake of vegetables and fruit, over-consumption of carbonated soft drinks and not doing enough physical activity.
These concerns are shared by key thought leaders and many came out in support of the event, which was attended by over 300 Grade 1 learners and their parents. It was encouraging to see nutrition scientists, dietitians, retailers and the representatives from the Department of School Health also in attendance.
This festival is an initiative by Danone, whose global vision is ‘bringing health through food to as many people as possible’, said Hendrik Born, managing director of Danone Southern Africa.
“In South Africa, we have decided to focus on learners in their primary and most significant growth stages.
“Danone is driving healthy change, calling on moms to be the nation’s healthy-eating champions because positive nutrition among learners yields a positive future through improved school performance and better health outcomes later in life.
“As part of our One Planet, One Health philosophy, we believe that each time we eat and drink, we can vote for the world we want to live in.”
Danone’s 2019 retail target is to provide two billion servings of healthier nutrition to South Africans. This is in line with the company’s goal to create the most meaningful solutions for a sustainable and healthier future for as many South Africans as possible.
It is with this goal in mind that DayOne with Danone was launched. It is a festival for new Grade 1 learners and their parents and highlights Danone’s #MillionMoms Pledge campaign, which aims to educate and encourage parents and caregivers to implement the five pillars of the pledge within their families.
What is the #MillionMoms Pledge for Healthy Change?
1. Eat breakfast every day.
2. Eat more vegetables and fruit every day.
3. Have milk, maas or yoghurt every day.
4. Drink more water every day.
5. Move more every day.
“The #MillionMoms Pledge helps to motivate the change we want to see in health among children,” said Marlinie Kotiah, head of corporate affairs at Danone and added that ‘good nutrition will help our youngsters avoid many serious health risks.’
Giving credit to moms who all want the best for their children, Kotiah concluded, “Health happens every day with every mom’s healthy choices, and the pledge helps create a healthy eating pattern that will ensure families stay strong in five simple steps.”
Join the Danone MillionMoms initiative. Become an agent for change, and encourage your friends to sign the #MillionMoms Pledge. Log onto bit.ly/DDOMedia and receive tips and advice on healthy eating from other moms and nutrition experts.
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