“We have been busy with food education for five years now, but for the past few years we have linked it to the Nutrition theme certificate from Healthy School. That was the official hook for taking a more comprehensive approach to our food-related activities,” says teacher Karina Veeren. Her secret to working more structurally on the activities? “Keep in touch with everyone who is enthusiastic about food education and can contribute at the same time!”

Food Safety Authority in a beach pavilion

Because that is largely how Karina got activities off the ground. For example, classes 5 and 8 visited a beach pavilion last school year. This was possible because the parents of some pupils work there as chefs.

Part of the Young Learning to Eat incentive grant was used for the visit. “The entire beach pavilion had been transformed into a paradise for food education, where the pupils acted out the role of the Food Safety Authority. There were various ‘islands’ where they could taste something. These included a drinks island, with tea, organic juices and coconut drinks, among other things. There was also an island where the children could compare fresh vegetables with frozen vegetables, and an island where they were introduced to meat. Could they taste the difference between processed meat and fresh meat? The mussels from the barbecue were also eagerly enjoyed, and the daredevils were allowed to open an oyster and eat it. The children thought it was fantastic!”

Visiting the beekeeper and healthy treats

Karina also arranged a visit to a beekeeper she knows in the village. The beekeeper talked about honey, and the pupils were allowed to look at the beehives and walk through the flower garden. Karina was also approached by the local supermarket. “We held a competition among the children to see who could come up with the healthiest treat. The winning treat was then sponsored by the supermarket. A tip I would like to give schools: ask a nearby supermarket whether it would be willing to contribute as part of its social responsibility. If you do not ask, you will not know, and if they are willing to help, it is a great addition to your activities.”

Guest lessons on dental care and the Wheel of Five

The primary school also has a fun and educational program when it comes to guest lessons at school. Dentists or dental assistants regularly visit to talk more about brushing teeth and the importance of good nutrition in this regard. Through her network, Karina also made contact with students from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences who are studying Dietetics. These students provide lessons on the Healthy Wheel of Five, which fits well with their internship and research assignments.

Organizing and developing

Karina is scheduled for one day a week to focus on the Nutrition theme. For example, she is in contact with the Healthy School adviser. In addition, she attends training courses or theme-based workshops offered by Healthy School. Alongside the theme certificate for Nutrition, her school also has theme certificates for Physical activity and sport and Well-being.

“It gives me satisfaction that, as a team, we continue to develop in these areas. We keep the things that are going well, and otherwise we continue to improve them. And I cannot emphasize it enough: we are incredibly lucky to have all the kind people here in the village who are willing to help with activities. That is also the direct tip I give teachers: look at what partnerships you can establish with companies, shops and the children’s parents around food education. The threshold is not too high, it is low-cost, and often you can achieve a great deal.”

Support from Young Learning to Eat

In her role as a Young Learning to Eat coordinator and Healthy School adviser, Nienke Chantrel helped make food education at OBS Hannie Schaft a reality. "I regularly sat down with teacher Karina to discuss the best steps for the school, and I often consult with the municipality to see whether anything extra can be arranged for the school. I also drew Karina’s attention to the Young Learning to Eat program and the Healthy School masterclasses, so that she can continue to develop in these areas,” says Nienke.

About Karina

Who: Karina Veeren

What: Teacher

Where: OBS Hannie Schaft, Zandvoort

Dream: “It gives me satisfaction that, as a team, we continue to develop in these areas. We keep the things that are going well, and otherwise we continue to improve them.”

Karina’s tips

  • Stay in touch with everyone who is enthusiastic about nutrition and education.
  • See who can contribute: think of parents, shops or other businesses.
  • Work together; then you can achieve a great deal.

Source: Healthy School.