Nestlé Professional Promotes Healthy Eating at International Chefs Day 2024

Nestlé Professional Promotes Healthy Eating at International Chefs Day 2024

Nestlé Professional, in partnership with the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs) and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria, marked International Chefs Day 2024 with a strong focus on healthy eating and creativity among Nigeria’s younger generation. The event, celebrated on October 20, embraced the theme “GROWING GREAT CHEFS” and brought together professional chefs and children from the Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) program for a day of culinary learning and fun.

Held in Agbara, Ogun State, the event featured 10 professional chefs and 40 children from N4HK beneficiary schools who participated in interactive cooking workshops. The young participants worked with nutritious ingredients such as spinach, potatoes, carrots, and rice, learning how to prepare delicious meals that don’t compromise on nutrition. The workshops encouraged the children to add their personal creativity to their dishes, inspiring them to enjoy cooking and healthy eating.

Speaking at the event, Funmi Osineye, Business Manager at Nestlé Professional, highlighted the importance of the initiative. “The wellbeing of children is a top priority for parents and caregivers, and a key marker of societal progress. At Nestlé, we are committed to working with stakeholders to improve the health of future generations through nutrition education and the provision of high-quality, nutritious food and beverages. Today’s event offers an inspiring platform for children to explore their creativity with food,” she said.

The initiative, which has been a collaborative effort between Nestlé and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria since 2014, aims to instill healthier eating habits in children, ensuring a healthier future for the country.

Chef Udemezue Okoli, Coordinator of the Lagos Branch of the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. “We are excited to teach these children the benefits of a healthy diet in a fun and engaging way. Nestlé Professional continues to raise the bar in supporting the food service industry, promoting Nigeria’s food tourism, and nurturing the next generation of culinary talent,” he said.

The event included various activities, such as the popular Junior Master Chef competition, where the children showcased their culinary skills. The highlight of the day was the presentation of their dishes, which impressed an audience of chefs, educators, and guests. One of the participants, Blessing Peter, a pupil from Salvation Army Primary School, Edu, Agbara, shared her excitement. “I am so happy to be part of this event. I enjoyed creating new recipes with sweet potatoes, chicken, and vegetables, and I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned with my family,” she said.

The children were encouraged to share their newfound knowledge at home and participate in family meal preparation. Each participant also received fruit-themed coloring books, courtesy of Nestlé Professional, as a reminder of the healthy ingredients used during the session.

The event is part of Nestlé Nigeria’s larger commitment to its flagship Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) program, which aims to help 50 million children worldwide live healthier lives. By engaging children in educational and fun activities, the program continues to promote healthy habits, foster creativity, and inspire a love for cooking.