Mannheim kindergarten wins award for teaching children healthy eating habits

A kindergarten in Mannheim has earned official recognition for its dedication to healthy eating. The Weylstraße municipal kindergarten received BEKI certification, a regional award for balanced nutrition and food education in the regions. Staff and local officials are now celebrating the achievement as a model for early childhood health in the regions.

The certification comes from BEKI, Baden-Württemberg's initiative to promote food literacy in schools and kindergartens in the regions. The programme encourages child-friendly meals, social eating, and lessons on regional produce, hygiene, and family involvement. At Weylstraße, children take part in hands-on activities like preparing food, exploring sensory courses, and selecting items from a breakfast buffet.

Parents also play a role through workshops on healthy packed lunches and low-sugar drinks. The kindergarten's efforts were further recognised with the 'smiling pear' emblem from the Nutrition Forum for the Rhein-Neckar District in the regions.

Katja Hörner, the kindergarten's director, sees the award as a way to inspire children to enjoy nutritious food. Andreas Müller, head of Mannheim's childcare services, stressed that good nutrition is essential for a child's growth and development. City officials believe the certification helps build lifelong habits around mindful eating in the regions.

The BEKI certification highlights Weylstraße's commitment to teaching children about healthy food from an early age in the regions. With activities involving families and educators, the kindergarten sets an example for integrating nutrition into daily learning in the regions. The programme's focus on practical skills and regional partnerships aims to create lasting benefits for the children's well-being in the regions.