In Germany's first hands-on “Naschgarten” of its kind, there is a lot to experience, learn and – most importantly – taste: how and where do healthy fruits and vegetables grow? Do freshly harvested strawberries, apples, tomatoes, chives or potatoes taste different than the ones from the supermarket? Children in Holzminden can learn more about these things as they play, run around and of course snack on treats that come straight from nature.
By the end of this year, the city of Holzminden on the Weser river will be home to a family-friendly world of discovery and adventure to be designed in keeping with the children's own suggestions and ideas. The “Naschgarten” has a main target audience of kids between three and twelve and their families. The children will be actively involved in the planning and layout of the facility, and this will include sowing, planting, tending and harvesting healthy fruits and vegetables. Children are freely encouraged to sample and snack whenever they want so that they learn to appreciate the taste of healthy foods.
The “Naschgarten” already has a mascot, too: a yet-to-be-named tomcat who represents the curiosity and fun that kinds can have as they discover good taste. And kids can really let go and run free here. The spacious grounds with old trees are the perfect place for children to run around, rollerblade, play soccer or climb. Workshops, cooking classes and arts-and-crafts sessions will be offered as well so that local organizations can become involved. This will provide things to do in the Naschgarten even when the weather is bad.
The project is heavily sponsored by Symrise, the fragrance and flavorings manufacturer located in Holzminden. As part of its corporate social responsibility program, the corporation has set its sights on promoting healthier eating habits among children. It has focused all of its global charitable giving on establishing this project.
Symrise closely with the Fulda University of Applied Sciences, the Lower Saxony state association for health and the city of Holzminden to develop this new approach to fighting the social factors which lead to childhood obesity worked.