Latest news with #KitKat
The Courier
4 days ago
- Health
- The Courier
How 83-year-old grandad inspired Stirling student Josh to set up university blood donor squad
Josh Wood has found a special way to connect with his grandad and start a new family tradition – while helping to save lives at the same time. The 26-year-old Stirling University student and his grandad Robert Smith, 83, now give blood regularly. And Josh, who is studying an honours degree in sport and business, has also set up a group at the institution encouraging other young people to roll up their sleeves. 'My grandad is one of my biggest inspirations,' Josh says. 'So it is nice to now be following in his footsteps. 'I had always heard about my grandad giving blood. 'So in 2020 I decided to start donating and he encouraged me. 'He was with me and it was a nice experience to do it together. 'We had a sweet treat afterwards which is usually a Tunnock's Teacake or a KitKat. 'It only took half an hour and it was nice to feel like I was making a difference.' This is why Josh is supporting The Courier's Be Our Blood campaign where we are asking people across Tayside, Fife and Stirling to register here and become a donor. Every blood donation can save up to three lives, but currently less than 3% of eligible people in Scotland give blood. The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service needs 500 more people become a donor in our area this year. Josh is one of many locals across Courier country who are backing our campaign which is showing just how many lives have been saved thanks to blood donors. Grandad Robert reveals he was in his late 20s when he started donating. 'I had a lot of mates who were going to give blood so we all went and did it together,' he says. 'But when they stopped, I just kept it going. 'Giving blood saves lives. 'But I also felt it was beneficial for me. 'Because when the nurse takes your blood she checks it and you can find out how your iron levels are. 'So it's like having a health check four times a year.' Robert says he was delighted when his grandson started giving blood too. 'I am really proud of him for becoming a blood donor. He is a wonderful young man. 'It has been nice when we have been able to give blood together.' He adds: 'I try to give blood as many times a year as I can and I will keep doing it until they tell me I can't anymore.' Josh and Robert want to make blood donation a family tradition – with Robert hoping his other grandsons will follow suit. But meantime, Josh reveals that he has managed to persuade his dad Michael to become a blood donor too. Josh was taking part in a blood drive last summer in Ayr with his grandad when he spoke to a representative from the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service. He then discovered that while some Scottish universities had a 'Bloody Brilliant Uni Squad' (BBUS) initiative – like Dundee and Edinburgh – Stirling University didn't. So he decided to set one up. 'There was an induction day in Edinburgh in August that I went to,' Josh explains. 'I got all the information I needed from the charity Give Blood 4 Good (GB4G) to set up a university squad. 'I then started up a team in October.' The Give Blood 4 Good charity works with universities and other organisations to encourage blood donation among young adults 'I put an advert out at Stirling University trying to recruit new members and had four or five people reply. 'From there we set up educational stalls in the atrium, in the middle of Stirling University, where we tried to encourage people to sign up to become blood donors. 'We would walk them through the process. 'And we also did a quiz about why it is so important to give blood. 'We also try to bust some of the myths that might put people off from giving blood – like being scared of needles. 'It really isn't as bad as people think.' So far the Stirling BBUS – which is part of Give Blood 4 Good (GB4G) – has already made an impact. It's first blood drive last November welcomed 68 donors, 40 of whom were brand new donors giving their first donation. 'The biggest aim we have as a squad is to get people under the age of 24 donating,' Josh explains. 'This is because if we get them starting to do it at a young age they are more likely to continue donating throughout their life. 'The university is a great place to target students. 'And as it is such an active sporting university it's a place where students are more likely to do it. 'A lot of people don't really know about the benefits of giving blood – not only for others but also for themselves. 'One little sample of blood has the potential to save three lives. 'That's why blood donation is so important. 'It's about creating awareness and getting the message out there so we can keep the blood stocks as high as we can across Scotland.' He adds: 'My hope is to target first and second year students so we can get a few committed volunteers. 'So after I graduate there will be other students there to keep the squad going in the future.'
Economic Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Nestlé India's outgoing CEO Narayanan weathered the Maggi storm; Tiwary must tackle slowing growth
When the world's biggest food and beverages maker brings in a new chief executive to its Indian operations, some challenges come along. Nestlé, which successfully battled the Maggi image problem with Suresh Narayanan a decade ago, is now bringing in Manish Tiwary and he not only needs to fix the multi-year growth slowdown, but also convince index managers that the makers of KitKat chocolates deserve to be a part of the elite index. Nestlé India
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
USDA approves SNAP waivers for 3 states, where does Arkansas' stand?
Video: Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announces plan to remove sugary foods from SNAP from April 2025. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — After Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced a plan to remove sugary foods from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, three states have had waivers approved. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has approved waivers for Nebraska, Indiana and Iowa to remove sodas and sugary and unhealthy foods since the start of May, the first three states to be approved. Indiana and Arkansas were the first states to announce plans to ban soft drinks and candy from the program that helps low-income people pay for groceries. However, a spokesperson from the Arkansas Department of Human Services told KNWA/FOX24 on Tuesday that the state's waiver is still pending approval from the USDA. World War II soldier from Gravette killed during D-Day invasion to be buried next month Sanders said in a presser on April 15 that 23% of food stamp spending goes toward soft drinks, unhealthy snacks, candy and desserts. She said the waiver will ensure that taxpayers' dollars are spent on healthier food options. The plan, which would go into effect in July 2026, would exclude soda, including no- and low-calorie soda; fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice; 'unhealthy drinks;' candy, including confections made with flour, like Kit Kat bars; and artificially sweetened candy. A waiver signed by Arkansas Secretary of Health and Human Services Kristi Putnam said the exclusion would not extend to flavored water, carbonated flavored water, and sports drinks. One item would be added to the list of foods eligible for SNAP benefits: hot, ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken. Sander said in the April presser that if approved, the waiver would last for five years. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Nestle SA makes first India investment, acquires minority stake in Drools
Global fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) major Nestlé SA on Monday announced that it has acquired a minority stake in Indian pet food brand Drools. Nestlé SA is the parent of Nestlé India, which makes products such as KitKat chocolates and Nescafé instant coffee. The value of the deal was not disclosed. This marks Nestlé SA's first-ever investment in an Indian brand. The announcement comes after Drools raised $60 million in June 2023 from L Catterton, the private equity firm backed by luxury conglomerate LVMH. The Indian pet food market, currently valued at ₹5,000 crore, is expected to witness double-digit growth. 'This milestone not only reaffirms Drools' leadership in India's fast-growing pet care sector but also marks one of the strongest institutional validations of an Indian consumer brand in this space,' Drools said in a press release. Founded in 2010, Drools distributes its products across over 40,000 retail outlets and exports to 22 countries. It operates six manufacturing units and has a warehousing footprint of 1.6 million sq. ft. 'This is a testament to the love and trust of millions of pet parents and to our unwavering commitment to quality,' said Fahim Sultan, founder of Drools Pet Food. 'Backed by a strong focus on science-based nutrition, Drools continues to drive innovation and build meaningful engagement with the evolving demographic of Indian pet parents, positioning itself at the forefront of the country's pet care industry,' he added, noting that the company has recently attained unicorn status. The development comes at a time when Nestlé India has identified pet care as a key growth area. It already operates in this space through its Purina Petcare division. 'Drools has achieved significant growth since we invested in the company, through high-quality in-market agility and execution, and a range of operational initiatives we have been working on with its management team to create value,' said Anjana Sasidharan, Partner and Head of India at L Catterton.
New Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Hole-y Delight! Mad Over Donuts Lands in Hyderabad
There's something about doughnuts that feels like childhood — sugary, soft and unapologetically indulgent. Now, that comforting bite of nostalgia has officially landed in Hyderabad with Mad Over Donuts (MOD) finally setting up their flagship store in the city. For years, people with a sweet tooth have waited, and now, the wait has a sprinkle-filled sweet reward. The doughnuts at MOD are soft, delicious, and a must-try, with flavours like Double Trouble, Kit Kat, and Brownie. With the new experiential donut setup, you can now customise your doughnut just the way you like it. The beverages served complement the doughnuts perfectly, making it an ideal combination. 'I think it was always on the cards for us to come in, and eventually we realised that Hyderabad is a market we just had to enter. As a brand, we've only expanded to six cities so far, but Hyderabad is such a receptive bakery and biryani go hand in hand. It felt like the right time to open our own store here,' says Tarak Bhattacharya, executive director and CEO of MOD. This isn't just another dessert outlet. MOD's Hyderabad store is one of its biggest flagships. The CEO expresses, 'What makes it special is the experiential doughnut activity. Kids, adults, and anyone can come and try their hands at doughnut-making. It's all about experiencing your own doughnut journey.' With the rising tide of health-conscious consumers, MOD is also preparing to evolve its menu. 'We're already in the process of R&D for our vegan and sugar-free doughnuts. I always say that when you indulge, you don't count calories. However, there is a segment that asks for healthier options, and we're working on that too,' reveals Tarak.
