“Together, we can create a healthier future,” is HEALA’s message to Sandton
Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA) has launched an innovative campaign called ‘Think Inside the Box’ to draw attention to the harmful ingredients found in some food products.
The Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA) has taken the initiative in launching the innovative ‘Think Inside the Box’ activation campaign towards drawing attention to some of the harmful ingredients found in ultra-processed foods. Their activation, presented in the form of a series of life-size, 3D wire kid wire-installations exhibition outside the Sandton Gautrain station, prompts passers-by to reflect earnestly on what young people are consuming as they develop into adults.
Creating awareness around harmful food ingredients is the purpose of the installation, which ran from July 14 – 27, according to programmes manager at HEALA, Nzama Mbalati.
“The wire children will serve as a powerful visual tool, exposing the harmful, hidden ingredients and unclear nutritional information of common food products, many of them aimed at children: Our objective is to encourage individuals to voice their support for regulations that would force businesses to put bold warning labels on unhealthy foods so that they can be easily identified,” Mbalati said. “Transparency in food labelling is essential for consumer wellbeing. We are enthusiastic about the prospect of clear labelling, and we aim to captivate and engage individuals, urging them to advocate for policies that promote healthier food choices.”
According to Mbalati, a 2018 study in the Western Cape found that 80% of foods in South African supermarkets were ultra-processed.
“More than 13% of South African children aged 6 to 14 years are overweight which is higher than the 10% prevalence in school children globally,” said Mbalati. “Excessive weight gain often puts children on the path to life-threatening health issues that were once considered adult problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol; transparency in food labelling is essential for consumer wellbeing. We are enthusiastic about the prospect of clear labelling, and we aim to captivate and engage individuals, urging them to advocate for policies that promote healthier food choices.”
The HEALA 3D-wirekids activation took place outside the Gautrain station in Sandton from July 14 – 27. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/betterlabelsza.
Related article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/332607/sandton-knitwits-share-warmth-for-67-minutes-for-mandela/
