What if children grew up seeing it as natural to ask questions, observe, and experiment—and in doing so also learned where food comes from, why nature matters, and how the world around them works? A Hungarian social cooperative built its EU-funded program on exactly this idea.
At the heart of the “Curious Fruit” project, launched by the Bugyulófalva Skills Development Center Social Cooperative, was an already existing interactive science program designed for children aged 5–12: the Curious Kids Club. The initiative was based on the recognition that in kindergartens and the early years of primary school there is often little time for children to explore their environment in depth.
The aim of the program was to spark children’s curiosity about nature, animals, plants, and technical fields from an early age. The sessions of the Curious Kids Club were expanded with new and engaging modules, and the enhanced program package was tested and further developed to ensure it provides children with meaningful experiences and lasting knowledge.
However, the “Curious Fruit” project went beyond education. In cooperation with producer organisations (TÉSZ), the cooperative also sought to shape children’s eating habits. Particular emphasis was placed on increasing fruit and vegetable consumption while introducing children and teachers to the benefits of fruit produced by local growers.
The model combined educational and economic elements. Producer organisations supplied high-quality fruit at favourable prices and handled delivery, while the cooperative created a market for them among kindergartens and institutions not covered by the national school fruit program. Acting as an intermediary not only resulted in a sustainable business model but also contributed to strengthening local producers. As part of the project, preparations also began for developing software to simplify administration.
The development laid the foundations for a new health education program, supported by a business, marketing, and sales model, as well as a new mascot designed to be easily recognizable for children. The cooperative also undertook the development of awareness-raising materials, health days, and educational packages linked to the legal obligations of producer organisations, further expanding its activities.
The project’s social impact was also tangible in employment. During implementation, six new employees were hired, three of whom were from disadvantaged backgrounds, reinforcing the core values of this socially driven enterprise.
The “Curious Fruit” project brings together education, health awareness, the local economy, and social responsibility in a single sustainable initiative. It represents a model that not only responds to present challenges but can also shape the thinking of future generations in the long term.
The development was implemented from EU funding in the project GINOP-5.1.3-16-2017-00041 under the Economic Development and Innovation Operational Programme Plus.
Find out more about the project in the Project Finder:Details
