DEERFIELD, Ill. – The global snack food company Mondelez International, Inc. has begun programs aimed at reducing obesity and promoting healthy eating in three nations a 2014 Lancet report identified as especially struggling with obesity: the United States, Mexico, and South Africa.

Over four years, the programs plan to educate children and their families about nutrition and exercise using the help of several Mondelez International partners:

• After-School All-Stars will be the U.S. partner, serving children in more than 150 middle schools through activities such as BMI tracking, urban vegetable gardens and cooking classes.
• The Mexican partner will be Save the Children, which plans to reach out to children ages 2-13 with active play, gardening and nutrition education activities.
• In South Africa, INMED Partnerships for Children will serve as Mondelez International’s partner, focusing on gardens at schools that grow nutritious vegetables for children and the families to eat.

“The three new well-being programs build on our ongoing commitment to community well-being and the fight against obesity, particularly among children,” said Mondelez International Foundation President Nicole Robinson in a statement. “They are perfectly aligned with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in the areas of addressing malnutrition and promoting good health and well-being. As many schools begin a new term, we’ll be working alongside our community partners, teachers and parents to establish the foundation for a healthy school year by promoting nutrition basics, encouraging active lifestyles and expanding access to nutritious foods.”