NESTLE’S main ambition is to be recognised as the leader in nutrition, health and wellness, trusted by all its stakeholders and governed by the commitment to quality and safety.

As such, the company has developed initiatives that are geared towards educating society on ways to maintain healthier lifestyles through the use of their products.

One such initiative is the annual Nestlé Schools’ Wellness Fiesta, which started in 2010 targeting schools’ wellness clubs, members of which would become ambassadors within their schools and communities.

The theme for 2013 is “Combating childhood obesity — developing healthy eating habits”.

The event will be held May 9 to 11 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. The event takes place at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston. Winners will receive a trophy and have bragging rights.

The main objective of the Schools’ Wellness Fiesta is to educate school-aged children, their teachers and the public about the importance of nutrition, health and wellness as a part of a healthy lifestyle.

This year, Nestle has partnered with the RJR Communications Group, Jamaica Observer and the Jamaica Library Service, which will be engaging the children in reading and storytelling.

Nestlé will have four booths which will focus on their five-step programme — Eat Healthy, Control Portions, Be Active, Check Health and Be Happy. The Be Happy step will be in the form of an Olympic village. Included in this activity is a Nestle cooking lab, where the students and their parents will learn how to make quick, nutritious and tasty dishes. Guest chef Brian Lumley will appear on the Saturday.

And for the first time, there will be a skipping competition. The students will be performing choreographed routines. The top primary and secondary schools will receive plaques, among other prizes.