On May 15, coinciding with the United Nations International Day of Families, Nestlé announced its global "Nestlé for Healthier Kids" initiative. The program includes the further development of healthier products and advice for families on nutrition and exercise. It aims to help 50 million children lead healthier lives by 2030.  

Since its foundation, Vevey, Switzerland-headquartered Nestlé has been committed to helping parents and caregivers provide the right nutrition to their children. With this new initiative, Nestlé said it is accelerating the transformation of its food and beverage portfolio worldwide. In 2017 alone, the company launched more than 1,000 new products to meet the nutritional needs of children. In the same year, it provided 174 billion servings of fortified foods and beverages in 66 countries where people lack essential micronutrients such as iron, iodine and vitamin A.   

"Childhood is a time where life-long habits are formed,” said Mark Schneider, Nestlé’s CEO. “We want to help parents make healthier choices for their children. This is why we are accelerating our efforts to support families in raising healthier kids and we call on others to join us in this endeavor."    

Nestlé already reformulates approximately one-third of its product portfolio every year. The company said it will use its innovation capability to further enhance foods and beverages for children with even more fruits, vegetables, fiber-rich grains and micronutrients. Nestlé will also continue to reduce sugars, salt and saturated fats.

For over a decade, Nestlé has improved the nutritional value of its products. With "Nestlé for Healthier Kids," the company pledges to continue this work for the long term. The company said its immediate goals, by 2020, are to:

• Add at least 750 million portions (80 grams) of vegetables to its products.
• Add at least 300 million portions (16 grams) of fiber-rich grains, pulses, nuts & seeds to its products.
• Further reduce sugars by 5%. Since 2000, the company has reduced sugars by more than 34%.
• Further reduce salt by 10%. Since 2005, the company has reduced salt by more than 20%.
• Complete the commitment made in 2014 to reduce saturated fats by 10% in all relevant products that do not meet WHO recommendations.

Nestlé said it will also enhance programs and online services designed to provide parents and caregivers with more nutritional knowledge, healthy recipes and practical tips. In 2017, more than 300 partnerships worldwide helped the company reach more than 14 million children.

For more information about what Nestlé is doing for healthier kids, visit  https://www.nestle.com/healthierkids.