Local Grocer Vitamientje.nl Wins Kampen's Klimaat KEI Award for Sustainable Practices
Vitamientje.nl, a local grocery business in Kampen, has been awarded the Klimaat KEI for its practical and impactful approach to sustainability. By sourcing locally, reducing waste, and supporting the community, the company proves that small daily choices can make a big environmental difference for residents.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Award | Klimaat KEI 2026 |
| Winner | Vitamientje.nl |
| Location | Kampen, Overijssel |
| Jury Members | Liesbeth Rijsdijk (Windesheim), Henk Wim van den Berg, Kees Vahl |
| Key Practices | Local sourcing, waste reduction, orange peel/seeds reuse, Food Bank support |
| Award Designer | Lisanne Lam (VIA Kampen student) |
| Prize | One-year DORZ membership (circular entrepreneurship foundation) |
| Deputy Mayor | Bas Wonink |
The municipality of Kampen promotes sustainable entrepreneurship through initiatives like the Klimaat KEI award, recognizing local businesses that contribute to climate goals. This award highlights the role of local government in encouraging practical, community-focused sustainability efforts.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Vitamientje.nl Wins Klimaat KEI for Practical Approach to Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Vitamientje.nl has won the Klimaat KEI award from the municipality of Kampen. The Klimaat KEI is a recognition prize for a company that makes a special commitment to climate and sustainability. A jury consisting of Liesbeth Rijsdijk, lecturer at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, Henk Wim van den Berg of Berg Makelaardij, and Kees Vahl of Gebroeders Vahl selected Vitamientje.nl because they demonstrate in a very practical way that sustainable entrepreneurship does not have to be complicated.
Down-to-Earth Approach to Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Deputy Mayor Bas Wonink: “Vitamientje.nl wins the Klimaat KEI 2026 because they practice sustainable entrepreneurship in a very practical way every day. They source fruits and vegetables as locally as possible to reduce transportation distances and waste. They also collect orange peels and seeds, which other parties can use to create new products. They don’t make sustainability bigger or more complicated than it is: they simply make the right and logical choices every day. Vitamientje.nl shows that these small, daily decisions can make a big difference. They contribute to less waste and lower CO2 emissions.”
Strong Focus on People
The jury also praised the company’s commitment to the community: they support the Food Bank, contribute to local initiatives, and have a rack where people can take free fruit.
Wonink: “Their down-to-earth approach to entrepreneurship, with great attention to the world and the people around them, makes Vitamientje.nl a company Kampen can be proud of.”
According to the jury, the company could further strengthen its profile and make its efforts more visible, as their impact is greater than they seem to realize. The jury encourages them to take on a clear ambassadorial role and inspire even more businesses in this way.
Award Created by Students
Vitamientje.nl received a beautiful award from Deputy Mayor Bas Wonink, crafted by student Lisanne Lam of VIA Kampen. The base is made entirely from recycled materials, and the shape was partially 3D-printed. In addition to the recognition, Vitamientje.nl also receives a one-year membership with DORZ, a foundation for circular and sustainable entrepreneurship in the Zwolle region by and for entrepreneurs.
(In the photo, from left to right: Henk Wim van den Berg (jury member), Deputy Mayor Bas Wonink, Harmen Westerink (Vitamientje.nl), Frank Lucas (account manager, Municipality of Kampen), Bertjan Westerink (Vitamientje.nl), Kees Vahl (Gebroeders Vahl and 2025 winner), Mirjam van der Iest (advisor circularity, Municipality of Kampen), Liesbeth Rijsdijk (jury member), Lisanne Lam (student VIA and designer and creator of the award).)