Below you will find the key findings

What went well?

  • Children began eating healthier lunches
  • Children, parents and teachers responded positively
  • The variety of the lunches was appreciated
  • All children could choose from the same options
  • Providing a school lunch was logistically feasible

What went less well?

  • It was difficult to fit the school lunch into the current break schedule
  • The menu cycle was not always followed properly
  • The children liked some products less
  • The ordering system was experienced as difficult

Conclusions

  • Children began eating healthier lunches as a result of a healthy school lunch
  • The school lunch was positively received by the children, teachers and parents
  • The school lunch is logistically feasible to implement

Recommendations

  • Actively involve children and parents in menu planning
  • The current break schedule needs to be adjusted
  • Structural support for schools with the lunch is essential
  • Combine the school lunch with improving food skills
  • Additional funding for the school lunch is a prerequisite

The following four questions were addressed

1. How can we ensure sufficient support from parents for a healthy school lunch in the Netherlands?

The answers

  • Highlight the benefits
    • No need to prepare lunch boxes, creating more peace and quiet at the breakfast table
    • Every child has access to a nutritious meal
    • Learning about new flavors
    • A social moment
    • No differences between lunch boxes
  • Listen to parents, show them how it works and never force anyone to participate
  • It is also easier to eat healthily at home
  • More time in the morning

2. How can we ensure that a healthy school lunch does not further increase teachers’ workload and may even reduce it?

The answers

  • Employ paid staff
  • Have children help prepare, distribute and clean up the lunch
  • Integrate the educational aspect of the school lunch into the curriculum

3. How can we make a healthy school lunch affordable for every child in the Netherlands?

The answers

  • Government funding
  • Work together
  • Buy locally and collectively
  • Income-based personal contribution

4. How can we build political support for a healthy school lunch?

The answers

  • Municipalities can support the EU’s and the Netherlands’ healthier food and agricultural policies
  • It can also be seen as a form of responsible business conduct
  • Ensure a scientific foundation
  • Healthy school lunches should be included in party platforms