50 children from Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) beneficiary schools in Sagamu, Ogun State, had an immersive cooking experience with Nestlé Professional.
This is a programme of N4HK meant to commemorate the 2023 International Chefs Day,
The company believes that encouraging children to be creative with food motivates them to try out healthier food options. Every year on International Chefs Day, Nestlé Nigeria and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria bring children together to participate in the creation of new recipes including fruits and vegetables.
The immersive events allow the children to bring their personal touch and innovative ideas to the discovery of new ways of enjoying food without compromising nutrition.
The Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria has partnered Nestlé over the years in the company’s efforts to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining healthy diets to help people imbibe positive eating habits for healthier lives.
According to worldchefs.org, this year’s International Chefs Day celebration themed, ‘Growing Great Chefs,’ aims to ignite the imaginations of children, encouraging them to explore the wonderful world of flavours, textures, and cultures found in culinary arts through early exposure to the art of cooking.
Speaking at the event, Business manager, Nestlé Professional, Funmi Osineye, said: “International Chefs Day provides us a unique opportunity to collaborate with teachers and guardians to enrich the nutrition knowledge of children within the communities where we live and work.
“We know that good food enables good life, and that habits imbibed early in life stay a lifetime with us. We are therefore delighted to work with the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria to introduce children to the exciting world of culinary arts. Today’s hands-on experience will help them recall the lessons learned in the N4HK in-class sessions and who knows, in line with this year’s theme, we might just have great future chefs among us here today!”
Chef Belinda Esoimeme, representing the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria said: “We are excited to spend this time with children teaching them the benefits of a healthy diet in a fun way.
“Prior to now, the focus was on particular careers like Medicine, Engineering and Law which are great careers. However, it is personally fulfilling for me to see young kids indicate interest in joining our noble profession. This hands-on experience will remain with them for a long time.
“Every year, Nestlé Professional continues to raise the bar through it’s investment in the foodservice industry especially by supporting the development of Chefs and inspiring the next generation of Chefs. Giving children an opportunity to be involved in food is a necessary first step in raising the next generation of great chefs!”
The International Chef’s Day event programme included various activities like the Junior Master Chef practical session which thrilled the children! Guided by the chefs, the children were challenged to complete cooking tasks by adding their personal touch to recipes.
