More and more schools recognise the importance of a healthy food environment and are actively working to improve their canteens. Figures from the Netherlands Nutrition Centre show that the Healthy School Canteen programme has a lasting effect. At the end of the 2024–2025 school year, more than 70% of school locations were working towards a healthier and more sustainable canteen, a clear increase compared with the previous year. In addition, more than 1,200 schools have received recognition for meeting the guidelines for healthy food environments. Awareness is also growing: fewer schools are unfamiliar with the guidelines, and more and more schools consider a healthy canteen important.
An effective approach to healthy eating at school consists of four interconnected pillars. First, education: pupils learn about healthy eating in class and see it reflected in the canteen, which reinforces the effect. Second, the school environment: healthy choices should be easy and appealing, for example by offering more vegetables, fruit and wholegrain products and limiting sugar. Third, monitoring: schools should be alert to problems related to nutrition or weight and be able to respond to them. Finally, policy: clear agreements about the food and drink on offer, such as limiting soft drinks and encouraging water consumption.
Schools can work systematically on these pillars through the Healthy School approach. They are also supported with practical resources through the Healthy School Canteen Toolbox. This includes checklists, recipes, sample policies and educational materials. Training and support are also available.
A concrete example of education is the sugar cube poster, which gives pupils a visual insight into the amount of sugar in soft drinks. Activities like these raise awareness and connect theory with practice. Finally, schools can sign an ambition statement to make their commitment to a healthy and sustainable food environment visible.
Read the full article here on the Healthy School website. Read here the article about the Healthy School Canteen from the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
PHOTO CAPTION
Haemstede Barger Mavo actively involves pupils in a healthy school canteen.