Nutritional Necessities for Children: Ensuring Free Healthy Food in Kindergartens and Schools is a Duty of North Rhine-Westphalia

In North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), a significant number of children and young people are relying on unhealthy fast food as a common alternative for lunch, according to recent findings. This issue extends to kindergartens in the region, as stated by state parliamentarian Sonja Bongers.

The quality of school meals in NRW is a concern, with a substantial portion not meeting the requirements for healthy and balanced nutrition. This is especially problematic for children and young people from poor and at-risk households, who may be disadvantaged in terms of accessing healthy food.

The situation is further compounded by the fact that almost half of the schools in NRW are supplied by caterers. Many of these caterers use frozen food and chilled components (Cook & Chill) in their meals, which are common practices in both schools and kindergartens. In contrast, only 14% of schools in NRW prepare meals in a fresh kitchen.

In 12% of schools in NRW, frozen products are served, and the survey 'Quality of School Catering' shows that there are too many meat dishes, too little vegetables, and too few whole grain products or seafood dishes offered in schools.

Kindergartens and schools play a crucial role in providing balanced meals for children and young people, as they often spend a large part of their day outside the home. The quality of meals provided by these institutions can impact the future health and lifestyle of children and young people significantly.

The use of unhealthy food in school and kindergarten meals is a societal concern, as inequality in access to healthy and balanced nutrition can have long-term effects on the development and health of children and young people.

State parliamentarian Sonja Bongers has expressed her concern about the lack of healthy eating options for children and young people in NRW. She emphasises that kindergartens and schools, after home, are the second most important environment for children and young people.

The German federal government is making efforts to improve the quality of communal catering in kindergartens and schools, recognising the importance of providing healthy meals to the country's youth. However, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure that all children and young people in NRW have access to balanced and healthy meals.