Being a Child in the Kitchen

“Being a Child in the Kitchen” promotes nutrition education for children in primary and secondary schools in Hamburg through a holistic concept consisting of practical cooking courses and interactive workshops. As a grant program, the offer is aimed at private individuals, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions that want to provide children—especially those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds—with access to fresh and balanced foods. The courses are offered free of charge and run year-round, with applications accepted at any time. The goal is to prevent malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies, strengthen understanding of regional products, and sustainably foster enjoyment of healthy cooking.

In the core project, groups of ten children cook weekly over a school semester under professional guidance, with each session combining theory and practice. At the conclusion, participants receive a recipe booklet, a “cooking license,” and a cooking box for home use. The module “School is Healthy & Colorful” invites primary school classes to playful experiments to explore topics such as sugar, packaging, and taste in a child-friendly manner. For adolescents in secondary schools, interactive workshops offer a practical perspective on energy balance, well-being, and the influence of digital media on eating habits. The long-term, non-material support not only strengthens participants’ health and concentration but also their self-confidence and creativity. Applications can be submitted informally; detailed information is available on the project website.