Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
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.
Nestlé India has partnered with educational institutions such as 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 programme to life.
Commenting on this significant milestone, Mr. Sanjay Khajuria, Director, Corporate Affairs, Sustainability, Nestlé India, said, “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.”
The Nestlé Healthy Kids Programme has made a notable impact on the educational engagement of adolescents. An increase in school attendance is observed, with 92% of students in the intervention group attending school at least five days a week post-intervention, up from around 54% before the intervention. The programme has also had positive impact on adolescents around nutrition awareness. To cite an example, the awareness of vitamin A saw a remarkable increase in the intervention group, increasing from 33% at the beginning of the programme to nearly 73% at the endline.
Dr Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM, commented, “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.”
The initiative is implemented in schools and communities through sports-based activities with adolescents and parents to equip them with skills that inculcate healthy habits with engaging content. Community stakeholders play a pivotal role in creating awareness on healthy lifestyle. This creates a sense of responsibility among adolescents making a direct impact on their lives.
