Recent YouGov survey, run in partnership with Frico Cheese, shows huge appetite for food education with UAE parents.

87% of parents believe that teaching kids about healthy eating will create habits that stick with them for life

71% of parents surveyed believe that teaching children to cook will enable them to make smarter food choices

Based on the survey findings local chef, Chef Bader, announces regional schools tour to promote better food education.

New research conducted by YouGov this month, revealed families in the UAE are eating out more than three times a week. Whilst this highlights a preference for convenient and easy meal options, the study shone a light on the rapidly increasing appetite amongst UAE-based families for increased food education. 71% of parents wanting their kids to be more interested in cooking/food preparation and a huge 92% looking for that to start in schools. Adil Ehsan, Frico marketing manager FrieslandCampina Middle East highlighted, when speaking about the survey results: “This survey clearly shows a desire for more food education for our children. As a community, we are collectively responsible for our children’s education.”

He continued: “Family eating habits can trickle down and have a direct impact on children. 89% of respondents believe that the healthy food habits they teach their children will stick with them for the rest of their lives. In order to make smarter food choices, children need to be educated about food and nutrition and equipped with information. It is important for our bodies to have a balanced diet because our organs and tissues need proper nutrition to work effectively.”.

The findings from the data have spurned companies and individuals alike into action; Frico cheese is teaming up with young Emirati Chef Bader for a nationwide campaign in schools across the Middle East and speaking to children about the importance of a balanced diet full of natural foods.

“It’s clear that, as a society, collectively we need to do more to teach future generations and arm them with the life skills and information they need to lead happy and healthy lives. The data speaks for itself - the consumption of processed food is on the rise and it’s frightening to think about all the potential health risks the youth are being exposed to because of poor diets lacking in nutrition. Some children are growing up in houses where they don’t learn how to cook and they aren’t being taught at school. In some cases they don’t even see their parents cooking meals either,” said Bader Najeeb, Emirati Chef and TV personality.

“This is vital education that children are missing out on - how to eat a balanced diet, where food comes from and how to prepare food at home. Cooking is fun and can be an activity for all the family to get involved in. As a direct response to the findings from this research, I am launching a regional schools tour to encourage children to get active in the kitchen. We plan to reach out to children across the region and show them just how easy it is to prepare a balanced and nutritious meal. ,” he continued.

“We want to inspire children to become more interested in the food that they are eating. The research shows that 71% of respondents believe that children who learn how to cook will take this knowledge and make smarter food choices. Children need to learn about the importance of a balanced diet complete with exercise and enough sleep. Through the nationwide schools tour, Chef Bader will be able to interact directly with children and show them how easy it is to prepare and eat a balanced and tasty diet. We want our future generations to grow up strong and healthy and to live long and active lives; strong citizens will build a strong society for the UAE. Healthy diets for children should incorporate servings of natural food such as protein and dairy, fruits, vegetables and grains on a daily basis. Processed food such as sugary cereals, meat products and snacks such as crisps and chocolates often contain additives, artificial flavorings and other chemical ingredients. These foods should be avoided as much as possible” said local nutritionist Mrs. Maysoon AlShaer in backing of the campaign.

Throughout the summer months, Frico has been piloting a program in the UAE with plans to roll this out in schools in Saudi Arabia too before the end of the year. 

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About Frico
Frico is a worldwide Dutch cheese brand, present in more than 90 countries across the globe. Frico Dutch cheeses are a variety of natural cheeses loved throughout the world. Made with fresh milk from Frisian cows by FrieslandCampina, one of the world’s biggest dairy cooperatives, the cheeses are naturally ripened and crafted by experienced cheese-makers to provide the pure goodness and authentic taste of nature at its best. Frico uses quality ingredients to ensure its authentic Dutch cheeses taste consistently superior.

© Press Release 2017