Brazil: Promoting healthy nutrition and access to care
Encouraging healthy habits and access to care services in disadvantaged communities
In Brazil, together with Instituto Givaudan—an organisation implementing community projects in São Paulo—we support initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles and improve access to essential services for vulnerable communities.
Awareness and access to vision care (2017–ongoing)
Since 2017, we have supported a programme aimed at raising awareness about the importance of good vision, particularly for schoolchildren.
The initiative provides free eye examinations and corrective treatment in schools, helping to identify and address vision issues at an early stage. More recently, the programme has expanded to include adults from underserved communities, increasing access to screening and appropriate care.
To date, more than 1,900 people have benefited from free eye exams.
Healthy nutrition education – Playing with Flavours (2017–2024)
Access to balanced nutrition remains a challenge for some communities, particularly in urban areas where dietary habits have evolved over time.
Developed in line with national dietary guidelines, the Playing with Flavours programme aimed to promote healthier eating habits among primary school children. Through interactive activities, students were encouraged to make more conscious food choices, reduce sugar intake, and develop a positive relationship with natural foods. The programme also engaged teachers, parents, and the wider community, amplifying its impact.
Activities were delivered with the support of nutrition specialists and Givaudan volunteers, who contributed to sessions on healthy recipes, recycling, and gardening.
“Good food habits early in life can influence the health and nutrition of these children for the rest of their lives.”
Rosani, School Principal
School garden (2019–2023)
To complement the Playing with Flavours project, a school garden was established within the same primary school. The garden served both as a source of fresh produce for the school canteen and as a practical learning tool. It was integrated into educational activities, allowing children to better understand where food comes from and how it is grown. Part of the harvest was also distributed to families in need, helping extend the benefits of the initiative beyond the school environment.
Improving access to fresh food in communities (2021–ongoing)
Since 2021 our efforts have also focused on improving access to fresh and nutritious food at the community level.
A social garden located in the city of Botucatu (São Paulo State) produces a variety of fresh vegetables and leafy greens, which are donated on a weekly basis to a local food bank. This initiative benefits around 1,000 people each month.
The food bank redistributes these products to several organisations supporting individuals and families in need, helping extend the reach of the initiative across the community.
Givaudan volunteers also contribute by sharing practical knowledge on healthy nutrition and how to prepare meals using fresh ingredients.
