… as Nestlé raises new generation of Chefs, promotes healthy eating

By Chioma Obinna

“As the saying goes, catch them young”, 40 pupils of Salvation Army Primary School, Edu, Agbara, Lagos and 10 Nestle professional Chefs were recently inspired to explore their creativity with food.

The platform offered by Nestle Professionals, in collaboration with the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs) and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria, was strictly to champion healthy eating and creativity among Nigeria’s young generation on this year’s International Chef’s Day.

“I enjoyed creating new recipes with sweet potatoes, chicken and vegetables and I want to share what I have learnt with my family,” Blessing Peter stated.

For Elated Blessing, apart from learning how to cook different foods, she understands that food nourishes the body.

“I will share the new techniques with my parents,” Amanda Ike, another kid chef, said.

Filled with excitement, she told the audience that the food was tasty, delicious, and fantastic. “I enjoyed how to cook special fried rice.”

Like Blessings and Amanda, it was a memorable day for all the children who participated in the cooking activity.

Annually, International Chefs Day is celebrated on October 20, globally.

The theme for this year’s International Chefs Day was “Growing Great Chefs,” and Nestlé Professional’s initiative aimed to instil a love of cooking and healthy eating habits in Nigeria’s young generation.

As countries like Nigeria grapple with the issue of child malnutrition, promoting healthy eating habits among children has become increasingly important.

According to a UNICEF report, about 11 million children (1 in 3 children under five years of age) in Nigeria are experiencing severe child food poverty, making them up to 50 per cent more likely to experience wasting, a life-threatening form of malnutrition. Experts believe that involving children in cooking tasks can empower them and make them more interested in eating what they’ve helped create.

During the Nestlé Professional event, 10 professional chefs and 40 children from Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) participated in hands-on cookery workshops, using nutritious ingredients like spinach, potatoes, carrots, and rice.

This immersive experience allowed them to add their personal touch and creativity to cooking while discovering new ways of enjoying food without compromising on nutrition.

Speaking at the event, the Business Manager at Nestlé Professionals, Funmi Osineye, emphasised the importance of the.

She said: “The well-being of children is a top priority for parents and caregivers and a key marker of societal progress. At Nestlé, we are dedicated to collaborating with stakeholders to improve the health of future generations through nutrition education and the ongoing provision of high-quality, nutritious food and beverages.

“Today’s event serves as a vital platform for inspiring children to explore their creativity with food.”

Since 2014, Nestlé and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria have collaborated on this commendable initiative, fostering healthier nutrition habits among children to ensure a healthier future.”

Also speaking, the elated Coordinator of the Lagos Branch of the Association of Professional Nigeria, Chef Udemezue Okoli, who expressed excitement, said: “We are thrilled to spend time with these children, teaching them the benefits of a healthy diet in a fun and engaging way.

“Every year, Nestlé Professionals raises the bar through its investment in the food service industry, especially by supporting the development of chefs, promoting Nigeria’s food tourism, and inspiring the next generation of culinary talent.”

The day featured various activities, including the popular Junior Master Chef session, where the children were challenged to complete cooking tasks with a creative twist. The highlight of the event was the showcase and presentation of the children’s culinary creations, which impressed the enthusiastic audience of chefs, educators, and guests.

The children were encouraged to share their learning and to take part in preparing meals with their families. Each participant received fruit colouring books courtesy of Nestlé Professionals, to serve as reminders of the fruits and vegetables used during the session.

However, by engaging children in fun, educational activities, the company continues to foster healthy habits, creativity, and a love for cooking.