Herbalife Nutrition’s ‘Nutrition for Zero Hunger’ STAR Program Aims to Curb Food Insecurity and Improve Good Nutrition Among Children

Malaysia, 28 May 2021 – Premier global nutrition company, Herbalife Nutrition has launched a 12-week Nutrition for Zero Hunger (NFZH) STAR Program to provide good nutrition to children and educate them on cultivating healthy eating and active lifestyle habits. The participants of the program include two of Casa Herbalife Nutrition partners in Malaysia – Amitabha Charity Orphanage in Johor Bahru and Good Samaritan Home in Klang.

In the wake of the current circumstances, many Malaysians have been impacted by the economic uncertainties. A recent food insecurity study by OnePoll conducted on behalf of Herbalife Nutrition reveals, 43% Asia Pacific consumers faced food security concerns at some point in their lives. Due to the lack of available financial resources for food at the household level, food insecurity in Asia Pacific has been exacerbated by current situation, which contributes to poor health and nutritional outcomes. The survey also revealed that consumers are struggling to maintain healthy balanced diet – with more than half still struggling to eat a diet aligned with their country’s dietary guidelines due to high cost of food.

“Many children, especially those from the vulnerable community are not eating right and adequately to help them gain optimum growth and health. Through our Nutrition for Zero Hunger STAR program, we hope to help these children adopt a healthy, active lifestyle in their daily routines for healthier lives in the future,” said Steven Chin, Senior Director/General Manager, Herbalife Nutrition Malaysia and Singapore.

The program has benefited the children from both Amitabha Charity Orphanage and Good Samaritan Home, as the home operators shared that they see a change in the children’s energy levels and lifestyles. The NFZH STAR Program set up a reward system encouraging children to participate in tasks such as finishing a plate of fruits, do five jumping jacks and running in place. To recognize their achievement, a stamp is given to them as a reward. Those who have collected a certain number of stamps is then rewarded with various gifts such as skipping ropes, book vouchers and board games.

“I am grateful that I am part of this program. Not only do I feel better physically, I also feel good mentally. I will be more disciplined in eating proper meal and improving myself so I can grow healthily,” shares Esther, 14, from Good Samaritan Home.

Christine Goh, Deputy Principal of Amitabha Charity Orphanage also commented on one of their children, You Hui’s, 11, plight prior to taking up the NFZH STAR Program. “We know that poor and unhealthy lifestyle can lead to many health issues. When You Hui got her first menstrual experience, she suffered from terrible menstrual pain that made her upset and frustrated. With the NFZH STAR Program, all children including You Hui consumed sufficient vegetables, fruits, water and exercised regularly for 12 weeks. To date, she no longer suffers from any menstrual pain, and is back to being a cheerful girl again!”

“As a leader in the nutrition industry, we are committed to finding the answers to the challenge of global hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition through our ‘Nutrition for Zero Hunger’ initiative. By working with like-minded partners, such as our Casa Herbalife Nutrition partners, we are able to provide access to healthy nutrition and nutrition education to underserved communities and work towards the overall United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger of ending hunger by 2030,” added Steven Chin.

“After three months, the NFZH STAR Program has brought about lots of positive changes to children in terms of health and study results. The children have started to enjoy eating vegetables, drinking enough water, doing exercises and also started taking their charge of their health,” concluded the representative from both homes.