The Foundation Nestlé France supports the EPODE programme, "Together we can combat obesity in children", an original idea to prevent obesity – and more generally "societal diseases" (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.) – by concrete actions undertaken within towns, as close as possible to ordinary people’s lives. Far from being a purely theoretical, nutritional education, the EPODE programme proposes a practical, healthy-eating education, fully integrating the notions of pleasure and conviviality and perfectly suited to today’s lifestyles.

Developed from social marketing techniques, and based on group dynamics, the programme’s concept is to federate as many local contributors as possible from everyday family life – teachers, healthcare professionals, specialists in infancy, shop keepers, educators, etc. – to transform them into people with positive health messages.

By working closely with the population, the EPODE programme aims to gradually make people collectively and individually aware of the problem of combating obesity without stigmatisation of individuals or of excess weight or obesity.

The EPODE programme is based on:

·         Positive, constructive and progressive learning of the main issues of a balanced diet and physical activity, for the whole family.

·         Messages based on scientific recommendations (PNNS, scientific companies).

·         A teaching approach based on learning by experience.

·         Respect for the idiosyncrasies of each town, integrating all the local initiatives sharing the same philosophy.

·         Keeping to the realities of everyday life, the environment and constraints (time available, budget, product ranges, etc.)

In 2004, 10 pilot towns* began the EPODE programme. Since 2007, 157 new towns have joined the initiative. The programme has also expanded throughout Europe (Spain, Belgium, etc.).

Partner right from the start in the Fleurbaix-Laventie Ville Health programme, begun nearly 14 years ago, Nestlé has quite naturally continued its partnership in 2004 in the EPODE programme as Founder Partner.