Mannheim kindergarten wins award for transforming children's nutrition habits

Mannheim kindergarten wins award for transforming children's nutrition habits

An open book with the title "The Young Ladies School of Arts containing a great variety of practical receipts, with a complete cookery" on the cover.

Mannheim kindergarten wins award for transforming children's nutrition habits

The Weylstraße municipal kindergarten in Mannheim has earned official recognition for its dedication to healthy eating. The facility received BEKI certification, a mark of excellence in balanced nutrition and food education for young children. A special ceremony saw the kindergarten awarded the 'smiling pear' emblem by Silke Burgmaier of the Nutrition Forum for the Rhein-Neckar District.

BEKI, short for Bewusste Kinderernährung (Conscious Children's Nutrition), is a Baden-Württemberg initiative supporting early years settings in teaching practical food skills. The programme covers child-friendly food literacy, social dining experiences, and lessons on regional, seasonal produce. Hygiene, balanced meal planning, and staff training also form part of its core focus.

At Weylstraße, children learn about nutrition through hands-on activities. Breakfast buffets, cooking projects, and 'Color Day' events help them explore healthy food with all their senses. Parents are included too, with workshops offering ideas for healthy packed lunches and low-sugar drinks.

Katja Hörner, the kindergarten's director, welcomed the certification as a milestone. She stressed the importance of making healthy eating engaging for young minds. Andreas Müller, head of Mannheim's childcare services, echoed this, highlighting how good nutrition supports children's growth and development.

The certification places Weylstraße among a growing number of facilities in Baden-Württemberg prioritising food education. While exact figures for BEKI-certified kindergartens aren't available, records show at least 37 institutions across eight bio-model regions have adopted similar programmes.

The 'smiling pear' award marks a commitment to long-term health awareness at Weylstraße. By involving children, staff, and families, the kindergarten aims to build lifelong habits around mindful eating. Officials see this as a key investment in the wellbeing of Mannheim's youngest residents.

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