Berlin School Meal Program
Berlin, Germany Address: Berlin Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family, Bernhard-Weiß-Straße 6, 10178 Berlin, Germany
Availability, Accessibility, Vendor and Product Properties, Desirability, Norms and Preferences
Local
Citizens/Consumers, Businesses
Ongoing
The policy applies to all primary schools in Berlin, offering free school meals to students. It focuses on promoting health, sustainability, and equity by incorporating organic, regional, and vegetarian options into school meal programs. The program aims to provide nutritious and sustainable meals to all primary school students while promoting environmental goals and equity. Key methods include: - Implementing public procurement rules that prioritize organic and regional food suppliers. - Ensuring meal menus are balanced, with vegetarian options and limited processed foods. - Integrating education on healthy eating into school curriculums.
The Berlin School Meal Program was introduced in August 2019 as part of broader efforts to combat child food insecurity, promote public health, and reduce the environmental impact of food procurement. The policy reflects the Berlin Senate’s commitment to sustainability and social equity. It was developed through collaboration between the Berlin Senate, local NGOs, and parent associations.
The Berlin Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family is responsible for the program’s implementation and monitoring. Regular evaluations assess the nutritional quality of meals, supplier compliance with organic and sustainability standards, and student satisfaction.
- Healthier Meals: All meals provided to primary school students meet strict nutritional guidelines, featuring fresh fruits, vegetables, and reduced processed foods. - Sustainability: Over 50% of the food served is certified organic, and the program prioritizes regional suppliers to reduce food miles. - Equity: The program ensures access to healthy, balanced meals for all children, regardless of income. Challenges include maintaining affordability for the city budget while ensuring the program's sustainability goals are met. However, student participation and satisfaction have been high, and the policy is considered a model for other German cities.