High level of interest among schools in incentive for healthy and sustainable food

The evaluation shows that, due to the large number of applications, the total available budget was not sufficient to reimburse all applicants. The available funds were distributed among 1,117 school locations. These locations received the incentive of up to 2,000 euros.

Purpose of the incentive

Through the Lekker naar buiten! incentive from Jong Leren Eten, the Jong Leren Eten programme aims to give children and young people more opportunities to come into contact with healthy and sustainable food through education. Since 2018, schools in primary education, special education, secondary education and secondary vocational education (mbo) have been able to apply for the grant through Gezonde School. Pupils and students at participating schools then experience how their food grows and tastes. Not everyone gets this experience at home.

Practical and experiential learning

The evaluation shows that the opportunity for pupils and students to learn practically about healthy food, nature and sustainability is an important reason for schools to apply for the incentive. “Schools also indicate in the evaluation that this practical, experiential learning is not always feasible,” says Iris Kummeling, programme manager at Gezonde School. “Thanks in part to the incentive, these schools are able to organise activities that allow pupils and students to gain experience with sustainable and healthy food in an accessible way. This teaches them to make healthy choices for now and for later.”

Structural attention to healthy food with Gezonde School

Most schools that participated in the evaluation want to continue focusing on healthy and sustainable food based on their experience with the incentive. This can be done through Gezonde School. Through Gezonde School, schools work structurally on health themes such as Food and Environment and Nature. Schools that use the Jong Leren Eten incentive are only a few steps away from obtaining the Food or Environment and Nature theme certificate from Gezonde School.

Applying for the incentive

Schools can apply for the incentive in spring 2024. Schools interested in participating next year can sign up for the Gezonde School newsletter or keep an eye on the Jonglereneten.nl and Gezondeschool.nl websites.