VARIED, LOCAL, AND FRESH EVERY DAY
Experience healthy eating firsthand.
At Stadtküken, children discover the world of food with joy and curiosity. Mindful enjoyment, preparing meals together, and getting involved in the process foster independence and a love of food.
Why is healthy eating important at daycare?
Healthy eating at daycare is important because it means much more than just filling up: It teaches children to enjoy food, strengthens their body awareness, fosters a sense of community and independence—and thus lays the foundation for growing up in a mindful and healthy way. At the same time, children learn in their daily lives how valuable good food is for their well-being and develop a mindful attitude toward nutrition and enjoyment from an early age.
FULL OF ENERGY FOR THE NEXT ADVENTURE
These meals keep us going throughout the day
Breakfast
A healthy breakfast is a central part of our nutrition program and lays the foundation for a good start to the day. Gathered around the table, the children enjoy a balanced selection: whole-grain breads, organic spreads, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The meal is rounded out with cereal and milk—this helps the children discover variety on their plates and learn that healthy eating isn’t just nourishing, but also enjoyable.
Lunch
For lunch, the children in our daycare centers enjoy freshly prepared, balanced, and delicious meals from our caterer, Porschke, every day. In addition to a hot main course, the meal also includes fresh raw vegetables. Most of the ingredients are organically grown, and we give preference to seasonal and regional products. We deliberately avoid using pork and artificial additives.
Afternoon Snack
The afternoon snack is an integral part of our daycare meal plan and gives the children a boost of energy for the rest of the day. We offer a variety of fresh vegetables, fruit, and different types of bread or crackers. Of course, drinks such as mineral water and unsweetened teas are available to the children throughout the day.
This is what healthy eating tastes like at Stadtküken.
At our Stadtküken daycare centers, children learn that healthy eating is fun and gives them the energy they need for new discoveries. What does that look like? See for yourself!
BECAUSE WE CARE ABOUT THE HEALTH OF OUR CHICKS
Our partner complies with the German Nutrition Society (
, DGE) quality standards
for food service in daycare centers.
Seasonal Products
Seasonal produce not only provides us with exceptionally fresh and flavorful foods, but also strengthens our connection to nature and its annual cycle. When we shop seasonally, we consciously experience the diversity of each season—from crisp strawberries in summer to warming pumpkins in fall. At the same time, by choosing seasonal produce, we support regional agriculture, protect the environment, and help children develop a sense of sustainability and mindfulness in everyday life in a playful way.
Products from regional producers and retailers
Products from local producers are synonymous with freshness, quality, and short supply chains. By shopping locally, we support people who are passionate about their work in the region and teach children how important proximity, responsibility, and mindfulness are when it comes to food.
Vegetables or salad every day
Fresh vegetables or a crisp salad every day add color, variety, and important nutrients to the plate. This way, children learn from an early age that healthy eating isn’t just good for them—it can also be delicious and colorful.
Daily Fruit Selection
A daily serving of fruit provides children with essential vitamins and plenty of natural energy. The vibrant colors and variety of flavors invite children to explore and spark their interest in healthy eating. This way, fruit becomes an integral part of their daily lives—fresh, delicious, and full of joy.
Whole-food products
Whole-grain products, such as whole-grain bread, rolled oats, or brown rice, still contain all the beneficial components of the grain. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, providing children with exactly the energy and nutrients they need for growth, concentration, and development. Unlike highly processed foods, they keep children feeling full longer and support healthy digestion.
Organic components (in accordance with the EC Organic Regulation)
Environmentally friendly and healthy nutrition plays a central role for us. Our facilities offer a selection of foods that are largely certified organic (certification body DE-ÖKO-012) and sourced from the region whenever possible. This is healthy and helps preserve our environment.
Using Sugar Sparingly
Using sugar sparingly is in line with our understanding of mindfulness and a conscious approach to food. We want to show children that real flavors can be exciting and delicious even without a lot of sweetness. In this way, they learn to appreciate natural flavors and develop a joy in pure enjoyment.
Whole-grain products at least once a week
At least once a week, we serve whole-grain foods—whether in the form of bread, potatoes, pasta, or rice. Our goal is to introduce children to the variety of wholesome foods and guide them toward mindful eating in a playful way. This way, they learn that healthy alternatives aren’t just good for them—they can also taste really delicious. Family members—we give you the time you deserve.
Meat: no more than once a week
We serve meat no more than once a week—a conscious choice, and we make sure it’s high quality. Our goal is to show the children that a varied diet can be colorful, delicious, and nutritious even when it includes many plant-based alternatives.
Fish at least once a week (from stocks that are not overfished)
At least once a week, we serve fish from stocks that are not overfished. Fish provides valuable nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and important vitamins that can support children’s healthy development. At the same time, we want to teach children that it’s important to use the ocean’s resources responsibly and make sustainable choices. This helps them learn that healthy eating and protecting nature go hand in hand.
Special needs (allergies, intolerances, etc.) will be taken into account
Our providers reliably cater to special needs and ensure that every child is well cared for. Whether vegetarian, vegan, or tailored to food intolerances—there are always suitable meals that are healthy, balanced, and prepared with care.
Eating Together, Experienc
Community
For us, mealtimes are precious moments of togetherness. They offer the children enjoyment, a sense of community, and the opportunity to take on responsibility—whether it’s setting the table or serving food. At the same time, the children decide for themselves—in a way that is appropriate for their developmental stage—whether, what, and how much they would like to eat. In this way, food culture becomes a vibrant part of everyday life and lays the foundation for a healthy, mindful future.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Stadtküken daycare centers prioritize organic quality, and where does their food come from?
Yes, we place great importance on the organic quality of many of our foods. In our daycare centers, we primarily use ingredients from certified organic farms and, whenever possible, from the local region. This is not only healthy, but also helps protect our environment.
How do the Stadtküken daycare centers ensure that their meals are sustainable and seasonal?
Sustainability is a central component of our nutrition program. We source as many products as possible locally and tailor our meal plans to seasonal offerings. Environmentally responsible food choices play an important role for us—what is healthy for the children should also be good for the environment.
Do the Stadtküken daycare centers also offer vegetarian or low-meat meals?
Yes, in addition to meat dishes, we always offer vegetarian alternatives and, upon request, even vegan meals for the children. As a general rule, Stadtküken serves a meat dish and a fish dish only once a week. We don’t use any pork at all and prefer fresh ingredients without artificial additives. Overall, our menu is varied, featuring plenty of vegetables and balanced, meat-reduced meals.
How do Stadtküken daycare centers handle food intolerances and allergies?
We can reliably accommodate individual dietary needs. Our catering partner offers specially tailored menus for children with specific allergies or food intolerances. This ensures that every child can enjoy their meal safely.
What educational approach do the Stadtküken daycare centers take when it comes to food?
At Stadtküken, we believe that eating is more than just consuming food. We use mealtimes as educational opportunities and moments of togetherness—children should discover food with all their senses, develop a joy in eating together, and build an awareness of healthy eating in the process. Our educators make sure that meals always provide opportunities for conversation, socializing, and learning.
We teach children about nutrition not only at the dinner table but also in everyday life: for example, the children tend their own raised garden beds to experience where food comes from.
Are the children involved in the mealtime process, and do they learn to eat on their own?
Yes, the children are actively involved in mealtime, because participation and independence are central elements of our approach. Even during meal preparation, the children are involved in small tasks such as setting the table or choosing a table blessing. Each child is allowed—in accordance with their developmental level—to decide for themselves what and how much they would like to eat, and can serve themselves. We plan meals together with the children and support each child in acting independently.
Do the Stadtküken daycare centers prepare their own meals, or does a caterer deliver the food?
The hot lunch is freshly prepared and delivered every day by Porschke Menümanufaktur (https://porschke-menuemanufaktur.de/), our long-standing partner. This ensures that the meals are always fresh and child-friendly. We prepare breakfast (when offered at the respective location) and afternoon snacks right here at the daycare center using fresh ingredients, so the children can enjoy a varied selection here as well.
How do daycare centers ensure the freshness and quality of their meals?
To ensure that the children can enjoy healthy, energy-boosting meals every day, we place great emphasis on fresh and unprocessed ingredients. The food is delivered directly to our daycare centers, inspected upon arrival, and prepared immediately in the kitchen. Our team not only ensures proper storage and temperature control but also receives regular training on hygiene practices. When we work with a caterer, we carefully review their concept to ensure it aligns with our values. This allows us to offer the children meals that are not only nutritious and balanced but also make eating together a joyful experience.
What kinds of drinks do the children get at the Stadtküken daycare center?
At our daycare centers, children have access to mineral water and unsweetened tea throughout the day. We do not serve any sugary drinks at all.
What does a typical day of meals look like at the Stadtküken daycare center?
The children start the day with breakfast together; at lunchtime, they enjoy a hot meal provided by our regional partner, Porschke Menümanufaktur; and in the afternoon, we round out the day with a small, healthy snack.
Do you have questions? We’re here for you!
Get in touch with us with no obligation. We’re happy to answer your questions and look forward to meeting you and your child!