Across Europe, local successes are proving to be the building blocks for national and European systemic change. Partner municipalities are translating international knowledge into local policies and practices, overcoming barriers not by working harder, but by working smarter. Together, they are laying the foundations for lasting change in school food systems.
In Slovakia, the team faced a major challenge: the lack of legislative support for sustainable school food. By translating the international expertise of the SchoolFood4Change network into the local context, partner organisation Skutočne zdravá škola succeeded in opening the door to the Ministry of Education. The initiative had a tangible impact, with 685 professionals trained through regional sessions and 20 pilot schools showing that change is possible. Today, they are part of a national working group integrating sustainable recipes and quality standards into Slovak legislation.
A similar strategic breakthrough took place in Czechia. There, SF4C partners built a strong alliance with the National Institute of Public Health. Together, they modernised the national dietary guidelines, introducing requirements for organic and seasonal food for the first time. It demonstrates how the expertise of the SF4C network can equip policymakers to move beyond the outdated “lowest price” approach.
To make change sustainable, smart financing is essential. In Leuven, the city applies a “solidarity factor” when allocating Flemish funding for healthy school food. Schools with a higher proportion of financially vulnerable pupils, or schools investing in hot meals, receive additional support. By also partnering with organisations such as Lions Clubs and NGOs like Brooddoosnodig, the city is building a sustainable funding model that does not rely solely on temporary subsidies.
Viimsi is also taking a long-term perspective. The municipality is already integrating the principles of SchoolFood4Change into its new catering procurement processes. It is also preparing its 2027 budget to provide structural support for the Whole School Food Approach. By no longer treating food as a standalone cost, but as an integral part of health and environmental policy, cities like Viimsi are helping lay the foundations for a more resilient European food system.