In just three decades, childhood obesity has increased fourfold.1
The environments children grow up in shape their health every day – from the food they eat to the places they can play and be active.
But children have little influence over the food available in schools, what’s sold in nearby stores and whether there is a safe space to play. It requires action beyond individual choices
That’s why we are partnering with UNICEF to create healthier environments for children at scale.
To make healthier food choices, children need supportive environments and appropriate knowledge and tools. For example, in Indonesia, UNICEF programmes teach kids about nutrition and healthy lifestyles through playful education sessions in schools.
Protecting children from aggressive marketing of unhealthy food and beverages is an important step towards creating healthier childhoods. For example, in Mexico, the partnership contributed to the introduction of new regulations to stop the use of cartoons, animations, celebrities, athletes and brand mascots in food and beverage marketing.
Creating healthier environments for children includes ensuring better spaces for play and physical activity. For example, in India UNICEF programmes will work to create safe, inclusive opportunities for physical activity in schools and communities
Policy change is a central objective of our partnership. UNICEF helps governments adopt, improve, implement, and enforce evidence-based, child-rights-focused policies that create healthier environments for children. environments. For example, in Colombia the partnership contributed to improved regulation and implementation of front-of-pack labelling.
