About the finalists
A total of more than 500 pupils took on the challenge. Around 25 schools submitted 75 healthy and sustainable snack ideas. Of these, 13 made it to the final. During the final, the finalists presented their snacks to the jury and received tips on how to improve them and make them even healthier and more sustainable.
Flevoland winner: Wholegrain Pita
In Flevoland, first prize went to Wholegrain Pita (see opening photo) from Aeres VMBO Almere. The jury described it as an original, tasty and healthy snack that is easy to eat by hand and contains plenty of vegetables. The other two entries were The Fabulous Springrolls from ROC van Flevoland, MBO College Almere, and the Fruit Pancake from Emelwerda College Emmeloord.
Overijssel winner: Wrappie
In Overijssel, first prize went to Wrappie, a vegetarian wrap from Agnieten College Nieuwleusen. The jury, which had to choose between six finalists, selected Wrappie because it is an original, tasty and healthy snack that fully meets all the food groups of the Wheel of Five. In addition, Wrappie is sustainable, contains no meat and its ingredients are produced locally. The other five finalists were: Fruity and Vegetable Smoothie (Stedelijk College Zuid Enschede), Salmon-avocado toast (Deltion College Zwolle), Panini Mozzarella (Carolus Clusius College Zwolle), Broodje Gert (Onderwijsroute mens @ Zwolle) and Stuffed baguette with bell pepper and chicken (Pieter Zandt College Staphorst).
North Brabant winner: Berkenbowl
In North Brabant, first prize went to the Berkenbowl from Berkenhofcollege Breda. The jury chose it because it is an original, tasty and healthy snack that is easy to prepare in the school canteen. Moreover, the Berkenbowl is affordable and uses vegetables from the school vegetable garden. The other two finalists were the Yoghurt Bar and the Sweet Nachos, both from 2College Cobbenhagenlyceum Tilburg.
Northeast Gelderland winner: Healthy Ice Pops
In Northeast Gelderland, first prize went to the Healthy Ice Pops from Eligant Lyceum Zutphen. The jury chose them because the Healthy Ice Pops stand out for their simplicity: they are easy to make, use ingredients that fit within the Wheel of Five and contain no added sugar. The ice pops are also made in reusable packaging.
The School Canteen Challenge
The challenge was made possible by Jong Leren Eten in cooperation with the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. It was launched during Dutch Food Week 2023, with the aim of creating a healthy, appealing and sustainable school canteen with an affordable offering.