The Nutrition Centre’s Ambition Statement is displayed on the wall in the canteen. By signing it, Kiem Montessori indicates that it considers a healthy canteen to be the most normal thing in the world. The Golden Healthy School Canteen Scale that the school received proves that the canteen offers a healthier range of food and drinks.
Clear rules at school
Physical education teacher Linda Westera has been involved in her school’s healthy ambitions from the beginning. She says that these ambitions are clearly noticeable to students, parents and teachers. “It is very important that everyone is on the same page; otherwise, our healthy policy is difficult to implement. Because in addition to healthy products in the canteen, we also have rules regarding food.”
A great deal is permitted at Kiem Montessori, but according to Linda there is no place for soft drinks, sweets, biscuits or crisps. “Those rules are discussed during, for example, mentor meetings, and parents are also aware of them. In addition, posters around the school make it clear that there are better alternatives to unhealthy snacks.”
Everything prepared in the canteen itself
Everyone at the school also knows that Sema prepares all the products in the canteen herself using (fresh) ingredients such as flour, milk and fresh herbs. “I usually make the stock myself too,” Sema says proudly.
She generally offers four regular products and a daily special each day. Everything is halal, and vegetarian options are available. In this way, the school chooses a modest but high-quality range for everyone. “My carrot cake is very popular. In small portions, of course,” Sema says with a laugh. “And students often ask me if I can make hot chicken sandwiches!”
Discussing healthy alternatives
At the beginning of the school year, there were still occasional discussions about the healthy range. But by now, students consider the daily fruit and whole-grain products in the canteen normal. And yes, in the upper grades they buy doughnuts at the supermarket, but Linda and others discuss this with them so that they are aware of the alternatives.
Patience and cooperation
Linda has a tip for other schools considering making healthy choices: “Start small. Our healthy policy did not come about in a single day; it was a process that took years. We gradually phased out old habits. Good communication with the canteen employee was always very important in this process.” Sema nods: “With patience and cooperation, you’ll get there.” Linda: “At some schools, the canteen can be a kind of island, but a healthy school canteen is something you really have to tackle together.”
Photo caption: Linda and Sema in front of the display board with their Healthy School Canteen Scales.