COMMITTED to helping to build a healthier society, Nestlé Jamaica last Wednesday launched its fifth Schools Wellness Fiesta at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston.

The two-day event, scheduled for May 15 and 16 at the Jamaica Conference Centre, will see more than 40 primary and secondary schools in friendly rivalry as the y vie for cash prizes, bragging rights and trophies.

The Nestlé Schools’ Wellness Fiesta is a programme geared towards increasing awareness of school-aged children towards nutrition and physical exercise as a foundation for healthy growth and development.

“The annual event provides a platform for our children to be taught the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and give them the opportunity to develop positive attitudes and behaviours towards food and physical exercise,” said Nestlé’s nutritionist, Krishta-Gay Lewis. “We are sure that this will maintain them into adulthood and guarantee a more productive Jamaica.”

This year’s theme: “How Healthy is my Breakfast” complements the company’s corporate campaign – Nestlé Breakfast Starts Here – a concept that Nestlé says educates consumers on the benefits of eating breakfast for healthy body weight, alertness, and improved performance.

“From our research, we have found that in many homes, families tend to skip breakfast heralded by a lack of time. It seems that quite a few people have forgotten that, from a nutritional standpoint, breakfast is the most important meal of the day” said Nestlé’s Country Manager Jürg Blaser.

Since the start of the programme in 2010, some 3,000 students, parents and teachers have been impacted.

“We want to effect positive changes in attitudes and behaviours in our youth, who in turn will become nutrition, health and wellness champions to influence family members, peers and friends,” said Corporate Communications and cRM Manager Shawna Kidd about the reason behind the initiative. “In addition, we want to ensure the programme continues to have a positive impact on health and ultimately improve the nutritional status of our children.”