The researchers discovered that school lunches are offered in many European countries, but that not all children participate in the school lunch. Participation is not compulsory anywhere. However, in various countries it is expected that if children remain at school during the lunch break, they will also participate in the school lunch. In Sweden, Finland and Estonia, the school lunch is part of the school curriculum.

Subsidies for school lunches

In almost all countries, the school lunch is at least partially subsidised. The researchers also examined the relationship between funding and participation in the school lunch. Their findings:

  • Participation in school lunches is: • higher when lunch is free for lower-income groups • highest when lunch is free for all children.
  • Offering a subsidised school lunch is no guarantee that children will participate in the lunch.
  • Subsidising school lunches for low-income families carries the risk of stigmatising poverty.

National guidelines for the quality of school lunches

The researchers also examined national guidelines for school lunches. Their findings:

  • All countries have guidelines for nutrition in primary and secondary education.
  • Most countries (91%) provide food guidelines for school lunches at product level.
  • 70% of countries provide guidelines on portion size.
  • 67% of countries provide guidelines on nutritional value.
  • Other examples of guidelines: • Variety in the menu • Local and organic products.

Kitchen facilities for school lunches

There are three possibilities when it comes to kitchen facilities: kitchens in the school, central kitchens serving several schools, and external caterers. All of these options appear to occur in all countries. The preparation of school meals seems to be outsourced to external caterers more often, due to the high costs of having a kitchen within the schools.

Dining facilities for school lunches

  • Not all schools have a separate cafeteria or space for eating. Classrooms then serve as dining areas
  • In countries where school lunches are common, most schools have a cafeteria.
  • In some countries, there are legal requirements for dining areas.

The full report can be downloaded here.