Parts of the younger generation lack the knowledge and practical skills in the kitchen necessary to prepare simple yet nutritious, balanced, and healthy meals.
These skills are much more important than they may seem at first glance, as they affect not only everyday eating habits but also the long-term health of young people, their ability to be independent, and manage personal finances. To draw attention to this issue and at the same time practically support a more diverse holiday table in the families and homes of the youth of the SOS Children's Village Association, the retail chain "Lidl" is conducting a charity campaign "Every Apple Counts" during Advent.
For every kilogram of apples sold from November 24 to December 21, "Lidl" will donate €0.10 to the SOS Children's Village Association. The funds raised will be used to organize holiday treats in all Latvian SOS children's villages and youth homes, as well as for educational support in developing knowledge and skills for healthy eating.
Many children in Latvia grow up without the opportunity to fully master everyday skills that would help them become independent and confident adults. The SOS Children's Village Association faces this challenge daily and sees how important it is to create opportunities for children and young people to learn to cook, stick to a budget, and be interested in healthy eating.
"We have noticed that children entering the out-of-family care system have not mastered basic cooking skills and do not have knowledge about balanced and healthy nutrition. Therefore, we are grateful to "Lidl" for raising this important topic, giving children the opportunity to acquire new skills and gain inspiration for cooking, which will be useful to them in their future life," said Ilze Palēja, director of the Latvian association "SOS Children's Villages."
"Apples are one of the most popular, diverse, and accessible fruits, as everyone can find the tastiest one for themselves. Apples are also very healthy, as they are rich in fiber, and they are one of the best-selling fruits in "Lidl" stores. Therefore, we decided that apples are the product that will symbolically remind us of healthy eating every day and, at the same time, as one of the most purchased fruits, will provide an opportunity to enrich and diversify Christmas dinners in the families of children and youth homes SOS," said Antra Birzule, head of the corporate social responsibility department at "Lidl Latvia."
As part of this campaign, "Lidl" together with the SOS Children's Village Association will pay special attention to the importance of life skills for children and youth, involving nutrition specialists.
"Health is a choice we make every day. And healthy eating is indeed a valuable choice," Antra Birzule reminds us.
About "Lidl":
The company "Lidl," part of the "Schwarz Group" based in Neckarsulm, Germany, is one of the largest food retailers in Germany and Europe. With over 12,600 stores and 230 logistics centers, "Lidl" operates in 31 countries, employing around 382,400 people. The sales volume of "Lidl" in the 2024 financial year amounted to €132.1 billion.
"Lidl" offers its customers quality products and goods at the best prices. Everyday life in stores, logistics centers, and offices is characterized by simplicity and process orientation. In its daily operations, "Lidl" takes responsibility for people, society, and the environment. For us, sustainability also means demonstrating our commitment to quality standards through our actions every day. The company "Lidl Latvija" was founded in February 2018 and opened its chain of stores in Latvia on October 7, 2021. Currently, "Lidl Latvija" has 37 stores in 16 cities of Latvia. According to "Lursoft" data for 2023, Lidl Latvija is the 12th largest company in Latvia, the third largest in retail turnover, and the largest taxpayer in the retail sector. The sustainability report of SIA "Lidl Latvija" confirms the company's commitment to promoting positive changes in society and the environment: Sustainability Report – Lidl Latvija.
More details on the website Lidl.lv and on LinkedIn.
About the "SOS Children's Village Association"
The SOS Children's Village Association is a non-governmental charity organization that provides long-term family care for children without parental care, supports family assistance centers, and the out-of-family care support center "Airi vecākiem" in several municipalities in Latvia, as well as implements various social prevention programs. In foster families of two SOS children's villages (in Islice and Valmiera), in several integrated SOS families, as well as in youth homes SOS in Jelgava and Riga, support, safety, and a new home have been found for 128 children and young people from all over Latvia. Overall, more than 1,500 children receive assistance annually through all implemented SOS support programs.
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