Mannheim Kindergarten Wins Award for Teaching Children Healthy Recipes Through Play

Weylstraße municipal kindergarten in Mannheim has earned BEKI certification for its dedication to balanced nutrition and food education. The award recognises the nursery's efforts to teach children about healthy recipes through hands-on activities. Staff and local officials have welcomed the achievement as a milestone for early childhood development.

The certification was presented by Silke Burgmaier of the Nutrition Forum for the Rhein-Neckar District. It includes the initiative's 'smiling pear' emblem, a symbol of quality in food education. Katja Hörner, the kindergarten's director, highlighted how the team encourages children to explore food through discovery and play.

At Weylstraße, nutrition is woven into daily routines. Activities include breakfast buffets, food preparation projects, and themed days focused on healthy eating. Sensory courses and parent workshops also form part of the programme, ensuring families stay involved.

BEKI, Baden-Württemberg's Conscious Children's Nutrition initiative, supports schools and nurseries in teaching practical food skills. Its approach covers child-friendly food literacy, social eating, regional produce, hygiene, and staff training. Andreas Müller, head of Mannheim's childcare services, stressed the role of nutritious meals in children's growth and learning.

Local authorities see the certification as key to building lifelong health awareness. The kindergarten joins others across the region, like those in Biberach and Bad Dürrheim, in adopting BEKI standards.

The BEKI certification marks a formal recognition of Weylstraße's work in food education. Through interactive lessons and family engagement, the kindergarten aims to shape lasting healthy habits. The initiative continues to expand, with more nurseries in Baden-Württemberg adopting its principles.