Nestlé Professional, in collaboration with Worldchefs and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria, celebrated International Chefs Day on October 20, 2024, with a special initiative focused on encouraging healthy eating and culinary creativity among children. The event, themed “Growing Great Chefs,” took place in Agbara, Ogun State, where 10 professional chefs mentored 40 children from Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) schools in hands-on cooking sessions.
The day revolved around teaching kids the importance of nutrition through interactive workshops. Using ingredients such as spinach, carrots, potatoes, and rice, the children learned how to prepare balanced meals while expressing their creativity in the kitchen. These workshops not only highlighted the value of eating healthily but also showcased how cooking could be both educational and fun.
Funmi Osineye, Business Manager at Nestlé Professional, emphasized the broader goal of the initiative, which is to inspire the next generation towards healthier lifestyles through food. She noted, “The wellbeing of children is paramount, and initiatives like these encourage them to explore food in ways that are both nutritious and enjoyable.”
Nestlé Professional has been collaborating with the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria since 2014, with the aim of promoting healthy eating habits in young children. This year’s event included the popular Junior Master Chef session, where the children were given cooking tasks that challenged their creativity. The highlight of the day came during the presentation of their dishes, which were met with applause from the attending chefs, teachers, and guests.
Chef Udemezue Okoli, Lagos Branch Coordinator for the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria, expressed his excitement about engaging with the children. He commended Nestlé Professional’s ongoing investment in the food industry, particularly through events like this that develop young talent and promote Nigeria’s rich food heritage.
One participant, Blessing Peter, a pupil from Salvation Army Primary School, shared her enthusiasm for being part of the event. “I loved creating new recipes with sweet potatoes, chicken, and vegetables,” she said. “I can’t wait to share what I learned with my family.”
In addition to the cooking activities, children received coloring books featuring fruits and vegetables as a reminder of the importance of a balanced diet. The goal was not only to teach the children about healthy eating but also to encourage them to share this knowledge with their families at home.
The event is part of Nestlé’s larger commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles for children worldwide through its flagship program, Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK). This program aims to positively impact the lives of 50 million children globally by 2030, teaching them about the importance of nutrition and fostering a love for healthy cooking from a young age.
As Nestlé continues to engage in such initiatives, the company strengthens its role as a leader in the food industry, ensuring that children and families have the resources and knowledge they need to lead healthier lives while nurturing a passion for food creativity.
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