NEW DELHI (India CSR): Nestlé India and its partners commemorated the completion of fifteen years of its flagship societal initiative, Nestlé Healthy Kids Programme, dedicated to promoting healthier lifestyles amongst adolescents. Launched as a pilot programme in 2009, it has grown significantly, reaching over 600,000 adolescents and 56,000 parents in 26 states and union territories. The programme provides adolescents with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about healthy eating and active living. It highlights the importance of physical activity as an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, promotes responsible plastic waste management, and encourages parents to help their children adopt healthy habits.
Educational Partnerships Drive Programme Implementation
Nestlé India collaborates with esteemed educational institutions, including CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Goa College of Home Science, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Gujarat University, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Punjab Agricultural University, University of Agriculture Sciences, and Magic Bus India Foundation, to bring the Nestlé Healthy Kids Programme to life.
Reflections on 15 Years of Success
Commenting on this milestone, Sanjay Khajuria, Director, Corporate Affairs, Sustainability, Nestlé India, stated, “Celebrating 15 successful years of the Nestlé Healthy Kids Programme is a significant milestone that emphasizes our unwavering commitment to building a healthier future for our youth. Education is a transformative tool for driving positive change in society. Through this programme, we have successfully engaged with adolescents nationwide, equipping them with vital knowledge about nutrition, hygiene, and active lifestyles.”
Significant Impact on Education and Nutrition Awareness
The programme has notably enhanced educational engagement among adolescents, with school attendance rising significantly. Post-intervention, 92% of students attended school at least five days a week, up from 54%. Furthermore, nutrition awareness among adolescents improved dramatically; awareness of vitamin A rose from 33% at the programme’s start to nearly 73% at its conclusion.
Acknowledgment of Programme Success
Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director of NIFTEM, remarked, “Nestlé Healthy Kids Programme has been able to deliver positive results in the communities across India. This has been made possible through extensive, collaborative, and thorough efforts. We take pride in being a part of this initiative and are committed to keep moving forward with the same enthusiasm, dedication, and hard work.”
Engaging Activities Foster Healthy Habits
The initiative incorporates sports-based activities in schools and communities, targeting adolescents and parents to instill healthy habits through interactive content. Community stakeholders play a pivotal role in raising awareness of healthy lifestyles, fostering a sense of responsibility among adolescents and creating a direct impact on their lives.
(India CSR)
