For months, hidden salt in ultra-processed foods had been part of our conversations. As part of our campaign “What you can’t see slows you down” (creared.org/sodio), we joined World Salt Awareness Week alongside our friends at OMIS and more than 15 Uruguayan organizations committed to public health.
The idea was simple yet powerful: make the invisible visible. Excess sodium doesn’t come from the salt shaker—it’s hidden in bread, processed meats, snacks, sauces, and cheeses. It’s already in your home before you even start cooking. Under the hashtag #TheSaltYouDontSee, we set out to bring this conversation to the streets, schools, and media outlets.
We kicked off the week with a stand at the esplanade of the Universidad de la República (UdelaR) in Montevideo, featuring games, activities, and counter-advertising materials designed to encourage reflection on how much sodium we consumen without realizing it and how it appears in products we would never suspect. That same day, Agus took part in Radio Metropolitano, bringing the conversation to new audiences through an approachable discussion on nutrition, public health, and prevention. We also launched our microsite with resources based on the WHO’s SHAKE 2026 Report and published the first pieces of a coordinated social media campaign with all partner organizations.
“We received a very positive response, and the people who stopped by were genuinely interested in learning more about the campaign,” said Agustina Lorenzo, leader of CREA’s nutrition project.
We wrapped up the week with a counter-advertising workshop at High School No. 5 in Las Piedras, where the entire CREA team worked with 60 students. Julián from Proyecto Squatters joined us to explain what counter-advertising is and why it matters.
Paintbrushes in hand, the students got creative. They produced critical pieces, shared their own messages, and created a paste-up mural on the exterior of the school that became a collective statement. Agus also participated in Radio Cristal that day, helping amplify the message and bring the issue to an even wider audience.
After the event at the school, the team traveled to Montevideo for an intensive day that continued with strategic planning and discussions with our partners, aimed at strengthening collaboration and continuing to promote healthy environments.
On social media, the numbers speak for themselves. The campaign generated approximately 34,000 views, reached nearly 50,000 accounts, and recorded more than 620 interactions.
At CREA, we believe that public health is also built by creating conversations, sharing information, and fostering spaces where young people can get involved and take a leading role. One week, three public actions, 60 students, 15 partner organizations, and a coalition that continues to grow. The salt we don’t see has now become a little more visible.
Thank you to every person, organization, and community space that was part of this week! 🧡
