Int’l Chefs Day: Nestlé, Others Harp On Healthy Eating Initiative

As part of activities to celebrate the International Chefs Day 2024, Nestlé Professional, alongside the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs) and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria, have emphasised the importance of healthy eating among children.

Themed “Growing Great Chefs,” this year’s celebration featured hands-on cooking sessions aimed at inspiring children to embrace nutrition and creativity. 40 students from Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) schools participated, alongside 10 professional chefs who guided them through preparing dishes with wholesome ingredients such as spinach, potatoes, carrots, and rice.

Business manager at Nestlé Professional, Funmi Osineye, at an event to commemorate International Chefs Day 2024 in Ogun State, stressed the significance of educating children on proper nutrition: “The health and wellbeing of children are vital, not only for their growth but also for the progress of society. At Nestlé, we are dedicated to providing nutritious food and beverages while collaborating with partners to support nutrition education. International Chefs Day provides a valuable platform to encourage children to explore creativity through healthy cooking.”

Since 2014, Nestlé Nigeria and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria have collaborated on promoting healthier eating habits among young people, encouraging them to adopt nutritious lifestyles from an early age.

Coordinator of the Lagos branch of the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria, Chef Udemezue Okoli, shared his enthusiasm about the program, adding that, “We are excited to engage with these young minds, teaching them the benefits of a balanced diet in a fun, engaging way. Nestlé Professional continues to invest in the future of the food service industry, promoting the growth of culinary talent and showcasing Nigeria’s vibrant food culture.”

One of the highlights of the event was the Junior Master Chef competition, where participants were tasked with preparing creative and nutritious dishes. The children’s culinary efforts were met with applause from the audience of chefs, educators, and other guests.

A student from Salvation Army Primary School in Agbara, Blessing Peter, expressed her excitement at being part of the program: “It was so much fun learning to cook with different ingredients like sweet potatoes and vegetables. I’m eager to try the recipes at home and share them with my family. Thank you, Nestlé, for this wonderful opportunity.”

Each participant received a fruit colouring book as a reminder of the day’s lessons, further encouraging them to embrace healthier eating habits in their daily lives.

The event was part of Nestlé’s broader commitment to helping 50 million children worldwide lead healthier lives through its flagship program, Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK). By creating engaging learning experiences, the company aims to foster a love for cooking, creativity, and the development of lifelong healthy eating habits.