Every year, around 15,000 little in-patients are treated at the Children's Clinical University Hospital, and they need nutritious, healthy and tasty food to aid the recovery process. In order to offer improved healthy meals adapted to the tastes of younger patients, the Ēstprieks (Joy of Eating) movement was founded with support of Maxima and other responsible companies. It will help provide 254,000 meals to Children's Hospital patients to help the recovery processes be faster. Anyone in Latvia can support these young patients by donating or purchasing products at Maxima stores with the special Ēstprieks symbol.
Ēstprieks: caring for young patients
The aim of the Ēstprieks movement is to increase awareness of the need for healthy food as part of a child's diet, its significance in the recovery process, and to ensure that the food served in the Children's Hospital is not just tasty and healthy, but also served in nice portions which are appealing to children. Therefore the Children's hospital has begun its long-awaited changes and created the Ēstprieks movement based on new, modern, healthy meals specially adapted for children. The basis for the new meal concept is a long-desired and necessary renovation in the hospital kitchen, where the cooking equipment hadn't been updated for 20 years.
“It is important that we at the Children’s Hospital provide not only the highest level of medical care, but also a pleasant experience for children and their families which promotes recovery and creates a more peaceful atmosphere. Food is our most basic need in any situation, so we are pleased that changes are currently underway in our kitchen to ensure that our food tastes good to those whose appetite during the recovery process is not always as high as normal. We have only ever been able to do more than the bare minimum and implement fast changes thanks to the support of the public and businesses, so we are grateful to all who have already supported or are considering supporting us,” explains Valts Ābols, Chairman of the Board of the Children’s Clinical University Hospital.
Changes in the Children's Hospital were introduced with the support of Maxima Latvija, chef Elmārs Tannis, Latvian Restaurant Association partner Agnese Freimane, and creator of the Ēstprieks menu Lizete Puga.
“I am a mother to two children, and as a child I was a picky eater, so issues surrounding children's eating habits have always been relevant to me. My inspiration comes from the young hospital patients, which is why, when thinking about meals, I always try to find the happy medium: how to unite taste, appearance and nutrients! We have now started offering Children's Hospital patients new local, balanced, tasty, colourful food which, importantly, matches their recovery needs. The new menu now caters to 8 different diets so that meals do not repeat within 10 days. They are gradually replacing the previous dishes, and are being enjoyed and refined," explains Children's Hospital Dietician and creator of the Ēstprieks menu Lizete Puga.
Public and corporate involvement needed
“Maxima Latvija supports the well-being of families and children, and is helping to ensure that our children are only given the very best, most nutritious and locally-produced items. Therefore, we are honoured to be part of the creation of the Ēstprieks healthy food movement alongside Latvia's most responsible businesses. In order to provide delicious and full-bodied meals in the long run, we invite everyone to get involved: not only shoppers by choosing products from Dobeles dzirnavnieks, Smiltenes piens, Alpro, Baltijas dārzeņi and Ķekava poultry farm in Maxima stores, but also businesses by joining the Ēstprieks movement," adds Maxima Latvija CEO Viktors Trocins.
To ensure that all Children's Hospital patients have as varied a diet as possible, we need the public's help. Each of us can help, both supporters and businesses. Anyone can donate to the movement by shopping at Maxima stores and buying products from responsible businesses: Dobeles dzirnavnieks, Smiltenes piens, Alpro, Baltijas dārzeņi and Ķekava poultry farm. You can also donate by calling 90006681 to give €1.42. Businesses who want to donate or provide their products can contact the project coordinator: austra.straume@bkus.lv.
More information:
Dace Zaldāte Rozentāle
Head of Communications
Mob: 29207373
Email: dace.zaldate.rozentale@bkus.lv
