Up to one in three children come to school without having had breakfast. To promote learning at school, it is very important to replenish energy reserves – especially in the morning. Children have more sustained concentration after a breakfast with wholemeal bread. The Düsseldorf artisan bakers led by wholemeal baker Georg Kretzschmar are teaching this to primary school children of the SMS initiative in practical lessons. Together they baked various wholemeal specialties, among these also the “We-Support-Germany Bread“. This bread was developed by the Kornspitz Company especially for the Olympics Team Rio de Janeiro 2016. The children were assisted by ex- Venetia Ursula Hofer. “For me, it is very important to contribute to helping our children eat a healthy diet,” said Hofe, who is a medical doctor and daughter of a master baker, explaining why she is committed to the SMS initiative. “Baking whole wheat bread under expert guidance is a great way to get children interested in a balanced diet,” underscored project leader Prof. Dr. Karsten Müssig.
The initiative “SMS. Be smart. Join in. Be fit." led by Prof. Dr. Karsten Müssig shall make children in Düsseldorf primary schools more aware of the benefits of healthy nutrition and more exercise. In the “aid” nutrition pilot license program, the children learn how to handle food and kitchen equipment in cooperation with the Educational Center for Dietary Assistants of the Kaiserswerther Diakonie and take part in the exercise program for primary schools “Fitness for Kids” developed by sports scientist Prof. Dr. Kerstin Ketelhut. The two health insurance companies IKK classic and KKH, the organization diabetesDE - German Diabetes Aid, the Sports Department of Düsseldorf and other renowned partners and prominent people support the project and provide the participating school children with additional attractive venues for learning outside of school. The patron of the initiative is Thomas Geisel, mayor of the state capital Düsseldorf.
More information about the initiative can be found at: www.sms-mach-mit.de (German only)