Flourish

On 16 June, we remember the courage of the young people who stood up for their right to a better future.

Their fight was about more than education. It was about dignity, opportunity and the belief that every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential.

Today, that responsibility belongs to all of us.

When children have access to good nutrition, quality healthcare, nurturing care and safe environments in the first 1 000 days of life, they are better able to learn, grow and thrive. The foundations we build in early childhood shape the opportunities available to children throughout their lives.

As we honour the legacy of the youth of 1976, we are reminded that investing in children is one of the most powerful ways to build the future they envisioned.

At Grow Great, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn and succeed.

Many of the foods on our shelves are marketed as quick, convenient, and affordable. Yet for many families living in communities where access to nutritious food is limited, healthier options are not always easy to find or afford.

The food choices made during the first 1 000 days, from pregnancy through a child’s second birthday, can shape health outcomes for years to come.

Many everyday foods can be high in hidden salt, and too much salt over time can contribute to high blood pressure and other health risks. During pregnancy, high blood pressure can increase the risk of serious complications like preeclampsia, which can be dangerous for both mother and baby.

Small changes can make a difference. Choosing fresh foods where possible, checking food labels, using less stock powder or seasoning, and being mindful of salty processed snacks can help reduce salt intake over time.

In the spirit of this past World Salt Awareness Week, let’s keep the conversation going by making healthier choices where we can, and advocating for food environments that make those choices easier for every family.