On Friday, June 7 2024, Helmholtz-Gymnasium in Essen (Germany) became a vibrant festival site. The school festival, co-organized by SchoolFood4Change, celebrated the end of the project week. It was a day filled with fun and learning, demonstrating how schools can promote sustainable nutrition in practical ways.
What exactly is a Canteen Day?
The Whole School Food Approach supports daycare centres and schools in integrating the topic of nutrition holistically into the school curriculum and school (food) culture. A “Canteen Day” can be a format to bring together different stakeholders around the topic of school and nutrition, such as students, school caterers, teachers, the children’s families and local nutrition initiatives.
A feast for all the senses
The Canteen Day was filled with fun, but also focused on nutrition and sustainability. Stands offered educational materials on these topics, allowing children and young people to learn through playful games.
Culinary highlights
RGE Servicegesellschaft Essen mbH, a SchoolFood4Change partner in Essen, served healthy, fresh snacks that were a hit among the visitors, especially the vegetable waffle with carrot, zucchini, and herb quark.
Experience sustainability
Evergreen Farm, a permaculture farm, offered insights into organic gardening and solidarity farming. At this stand, children enjoyed making insect hotels. Tap e.V. demonstrated the benefits of drinking tap water: convenience, waste reduction, and lower CO2 emissions, with diverse flavors.
Conclusion – a complete success!
The SchoolFood4Change Canteen Day was a vibrant celebration, showcasing the seamless integration of healthy, sustainable nutrition in school canteens. The topic of nutrition came alive through dedication and creativity, making it a resounding success for all!
Stay tuned, because the SchoolFood4Change journey continues!
Together, we are turning schools and daycare centres into places where an enjoyable, healthy and sustainable eating culture is lived!
