Focus on school meals: New campaigns for healthy student nutrition!

Focus on school meals: New campaigns for healthy student nutrition!

The importance of school meals has increased significantly in recent years. This is particularly due to the legal right to full-day care at primary schools, which will come into force in the 2026/27 school year. Studies show that food in schools is crucial for the performance and health of students. At the same time, it promotes the appreciation of food and helps support regional agriculture. On October 22, 2025, State Secretary Sabine Kurtz visited the Höpfigheim elementary school in Steinheim an der Murr on the occasion of School Meal Day. She is convinced that the commitment of this school can serve as an inspiration for other schools and communities. Over 135 schools throughout Baden-Württemberg took part in this special day with creative activities.

The initiative was supported by the State Center for Nutrition (LErn BW), which provided schools with materials and recipes. In order to further improve the quality of school meals, a training series entitled “Competently designing daycare and school meals” will be launched in January 2026. This is aimed at administrative staff in municipalities and is intended to support everyone involved in daycare and school catering. A nationwide school meals day takes place on September 23rd every year. This year, an online event was also organized under the motto “No full day without school meals”.

Nutrition education as key

Experts emphasize the need and importance of a plant-based diet that is beneficial for both health and the environment. The training courses are intended to motivate teachers and educational specialists to integrate the nutritional recommendations into everyday school life in an exciting and sustainable way. During these training courses, participants are guided to gain experiences that can be integrated into the students' real lives. In addition, nine success factors are presented in the training courses that promote successful nutrition education.

The aim is to address (prospective) teachers as well as school health professionals and school social workers and to support them in their teaching activities. This holistic approach to nutrition education helps stimulate students' interest in a diverse range of foods.

Quality standards for healthy school meals

Current data shows that 69 percent of students aged 6 to 17 have access to hot school meals. However, there is a need for scientifically based recommendations on school meals to ensure a healthy and sustainable menu. The quality standard of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) supports those responsible in implementing a balanced offering.

These standards were developed on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Community (BMLEH), revised in 2020 and updated in 2023. In addition to school meals, the dining environment and the atmosphere during meals are also the focus. These factors are crucial for the social well-being and performance of students. Experts also warn that children and young people today often consume too much meat and too little fruit and vegetables, which can lead to health problems such as obesity.