Nestlé India and its partners have commemorated the completion of fifteen years of its flagship societal initiative, the Nestlé Healthy Kids Programme, dedicated to promoting healthier lifestyles amongst adolescents. Launched as a pilot program in 2009, it has grown significantly, reaching over 600,000 adolescents and 56,000 parents in 26 states and union territories. The program 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 program to life.
“Celebrating 15 successful years of the Nestlé Healthy Kids Programme is a significant milestone emphasizing 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.”
Sanjay Khajuria, Director of corporate Affairs, Sustainability, Nestlé India
The Nestlé India 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 program has also had a 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 program to nearly 73% at the end.
“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.”
Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM
The initiative is implemented in schools and communities through sports-based activities with adolescents and parents to equip them with skills that teach healthy habits with engaging content. Community stakeholders play a pivotal role in creating awareness of a healthy lifestyle. This creates a sense of responsibility among adolescents directly impacting their lives.