Mastered culinary skills: Now able to prepare delicious meals at home!
The Sustainable Cooking Project at the Middleweiden Kindergarten, run by the Caritas Association of Koblenz, is making waves in promoting healthy, environmentally friendly cooking habits among young children. The project, supported by the Sarah Wiener Foundation and Barmer Health Insurance, has proven to be a resounding success in fostering sustainable and child-friendly nutrition.
The Role of the Sarah Wiener Foundation
The Sarah Wiener Foundation, founded by renowned chef Sarah Wiener, brings a wealth of expertise in nutrition and sustainability to the table. The foundation focuses on organic, regional, and seasonal ingredients, aligning with sustainable food systems. They develop and implement workshops and hands-on cooking sessions to teach children about healthy eating, biodiversity, and sustainable food production.
In addition, the foundation supplies educational materials, recipe ideas, and sometimes kitchen equipment or ingredients that support the practical aspect of sustainable cooking. By participating in projects like the one at Middleweiden Kindergarten, the foundation raises awareness about the importance of sustainable eating practices from a young age, helping instill lifelong healthy habits.
The Role of Barmer Health Insurance
Barmer, as one of Germany’s major statutory health insurers, promotes preventive health measures. Their involvement ensures that the project aligns with public health goals, particularly in improving children’s nutrition and preventing diet-related health issues. Barmer provides financial support or logistical backing for the project, enabling smooth implementation of activities, such as cooking sessions or educational workshops.
Health insurance companies often contribute by evaluating the health impacts of projects, ensuring that the initiatives have measurable benefits for children’s well-being. Barmer uses insights from such projects to refine their preventive care programs and promote sustainable, health-conscious lifestyles among families beyond the kindergarten setting.
The Impact on Middleweiden Kindergarten
The project has had a significant impact on the kindergarten, improving nutrition education, skill development, and environmental awareness among the children. The children learn about healthy, sustainable food choices early in life, increasing awareness and appreciation for good nutrition. Hands-on cooking activities help children develop practical cooking skills that support independence and confidence in food preparation.
The focus on sustainable ingredients connects children with nature and teaches them the environmental impact of food production. The collaboration fosters a supportive network involving educators, parents, health professionals, and sustainability advocates.
In summary, the Sarah Wiener Foundation brings expertise in sustainable food education and hands-on learning, while Barmer Health Insurance ensures health-related goals and resources support the project effectively. Together, they create a comprehensive approach to fostering sustainable and healthy eating habits among young children at Middleweiden Kindergarten.
The children took pride in their culinary creations, sitting together at a laden table to enjoy their meals. Educator Melanie Priesteroth, a Caritas employee and taste ambassador at the kindergarten, emphasized the importance of such experiences for the children's personality development. The "I can cook" project, held at the kindergarten, has continued to provide opportunities for children to learn about and enjoy sustainable foods.
- The Sarah Wiener Foundation, a leader in nutrition and sustainability, focuses on educating children in organic, regional, and seasonal ingredients, as well as healthy eating, biodiversity, and sustainable food production.
- By partnering with the Sarah Wiener Foundation, the Middleweiden Kindergarten project supports lifelong healthy habits and promotes learning in areas such as education-and-self-development and personal-growth.
- Barmer Health Insurance, in their support of preventive health measures, ensures the project aligns with public health goals, fostering better children's nutrition and preventive care.
- In addition to learning practical cooking skills, the children at Middleweiden Kindergarten gain knowledge about healthy-cooking, food-and-drink, and the importance of sustainable living, contributing to their overall development and personal growth.
