During their visit to Apfelparadies Wittlaer, the SMS kids learned that the apple is a true ‘all-rounder’ as far as a balanced diet is concerned. At the orchard, the children took part in a wide variety of activities. The children were not only allowed to harvest apples themselves, but also processed the apples they picked to freshly squeezed apple juice. 
“For some time we have been offering visits to our orchard for children’s groups. We look forward to each visit and the enthusiastic response of the children,” said Gabi Hollmann, explaining the commitment of Apfelparadies. “The visit to the orchard is a great opportunity for the children to learn that fruit is an important component of a balanced diet. Here they can experience this up close, using all their senses,” said project leader DZD Professor Karsten Müssig.

The initiative led by Professor Müssig, “SMS. Be smart. Join in. Be fit." seeks to make children in Düsseldorf and Cologne primary schools more aware of the benefits of a healthy diet and more exercise. The participating children receive extra lessons on nutrition 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