From a young age: Saarland focuses on healthy nutrition - Saarland boosts children's nutrition with free fresh food and education

The Saarland is expanding efforts to improve children's nutrition through fresh food programmes and education. Minister Petra Berg has highlighted the need for regular healthy meals, calling them 'absolutely essential' for disadvantaged youngsters. New funding and initiatives will now reach even more schools and daycare centres across the region.

Currently, 32,200 children and adolescents at 244 schools receive free weekly portions of fruit and vegetables under the EU School Fruit Scheme. Each child gets 200 grams of fresh produce, with 189 schools and kindergartens taking part in 2024 alone. The scheme will continue next year, backed by nearly €600,000 from the state and an extra €256,000 from the EU.

An additional 1,680 daycare children from disadvantaged areas will also benefit from free produce, thanks to €50,000 in funding from the Ministry of Social Affairs. Beyond free food, the Saarland is supporting school and daycare gardens to teach sustainable eating. Local, seasonal meals are now being served on-site in many institutions.

To further promote healthy habits, Minister Berg is rolling out specialist training, educational materials, and cooking classes. A nutrition conference this year will bring together caterers, schools, and medical professionals. The Saarland Nutrition Prize will again recognise institutions making a difference in children's diets.

The expanded programmes will provide more children with access to fresh, locally sourced food. Funding for gardens, training, and free produce ensures long-term support for healthier eating. Schools and daycare centres across the region will continue receiving resources to improve nutrition in the coming year.