Mannheim kindergarten earns top certification for pioneering healthy eating education

The Weylstraße municipal nursery in Mannheim has earned official recognition for its commitment to healthy eating. The facility received BEKI certification, a mark of excellence in food education for young children. Staff and local officials are now celebrating the achievement as a model for other schools. BEKI, Baden-Württemberg's nutrition initiative, helps kindergartens and schools teach children about balanced diets. The programme covers food literacy, social eating, seasonal produce, hygiene, meal planning, and family involvement. Weylstraße nursery has embedded these principles into daily routines, from breakfast buffets to hands-on cooking projects. Katja Hörner, the nursery's director, highlighted the importance of interactive learning. Children explore food through sensory activities, while parents join workshops on healthy packed lunches and low-sugar drinks. The nursery also received the 'smiling pear' emblem from the Nutrition Forum for the Rhein-Neckar District, further validating its efforts. Andreas Müller, head of Mannheim's childcare services, praised the nursery's approach to sustainable development. He noted that nutritious eating plays a key role in children's growth and learning. Local officials see the certification as a way to build lifelong mindful eating habits in young learners. The BEKI certification confirms Weylstraße's dedication to food education. By involving children, educators, and families, the nursery sets an example for others in the region. The programme continues to support similar initiatives across Baden-Württemberg.