Since 2007, every third Friday in November, Slovenian beekeepers have organized an educational-promotional campaign for kindergarten and primary school children called “Honey Breakfast.” On this day, children in Slovenia have Slovenian honey for breakfast, which is mostly donated by various beekeepers. The idea for this campaign originated from the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association, which is now launching the initiative to establish the “European Honey Breakfast.”
The Honey Breakfast in Slovenia is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Sport. As most of a person’s habits are formed in childhood, it is crucial to instill positive environmental values from an early age. This campaign is based on the collaboration between beekeepers and teachers and is coordinated by the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association and the Public Advisory Service on Beekeeping.
Each year, beekeeping societies from local communities collect honey, which is mostly donated to kindergartens and schools. An educational publication is also issued and distributed among the children. In addition to beekeepers who conduct presentations and workshops for children, mayors, various officials, athletes, and many other prominent figures also attend the Honey Breakfast. The campaign is supported by the media, which publishes numerous articles and raises public awareness about the importance of beekeeping.
The results of the campaign are visible in:
- a positive attitude of children, teachers, and the general public toward bees and nature;
- an increase in the number of children participating in beekeeping clubs at schools;
- an increase in the number of young beekeepers;
- a rise in the consumption and sales of honey and other beekeeping products;
- support from local communities and businesses for beekeepers.
In 2011, the Honey Breakfast evolved into the Traditional Slovenian Breakfast and Slovenian Food Day.
