In celebration of the 2023 International Chef’s Day, Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) organized an engaging culinary event for 50 children from beneficiary schools in Sagamu, Ogun State, in collaboration with Nestlé Professional. The event was designed to encourage children to embrace healthier food choices by exploring the world of culinary arts.
Every year, Nestlé Nigeria, in partnership with the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria, brings children together to create and experiment with new recipes that include fruits and vegetables. The immersive experience allows children to unleash their creativity and explore diverse culinary options without compromising on nutrition.
Themed ‘Growing Great Chefs,’ this year’s International Chef’s Day celebration aimed to ignite the imaginations of children and introduce them to the diverse flavors, textures, and cultures found in culinary arts, fostering an early appreciation for cooking.
Funmi Osineye, Business Manager of Nestlé Professional, emphasized the importance of promoting nutrition education among children. She stated, “Good food enables a good life, and habits developed early in life stay with us. We are 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, fostering a passion for healthy cooking.”
Chef Belinda Esoimeme, representing the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria, expressed her excitement about imparting the benefits of a healthy diet to the children. “This hands-on experience will remain with them for a long time. Every year, Nestlé Professional continues to raise the bar by supporting the development of chefs and inspiring the next generation of culinary experts,” she noted.
The event featured an array of activities, including a Junior Master Chef practical session that thrilled the young participants. Guided by the chefs, the children enthusiastically completed cooking tasks and presented their creations, demonstrating their newfound culinary skills.
One of the participants, Favour Elum, a Primary 5 student at Wesley School 1, Oko, Sagamu, expressed her excitement about the event, stating that cooking with the chefs and her team members was a delightful experience. She looks forward to sharing her newly acquired knowledge with her family and friends.
The children were encouraged to share their learnings and apply them in preparing meals with their families. They also received fruit coloring books courtesy of Nestlé Professionals, serving as a reminder of the fruits and vegetables used during the session.
Nestlé Nigeria remains committed to its goal of promoting healthier lives for 50 million children globally through the Nestlé for Healthier Kids program. The longstanding partnership between Nestlé and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria has been instrumental in encouraging children to adopt healthier nutrition habits, fostering a healthier future for the younger generation.
