SchoolFood4Change EU Award at BIOFACH Forum, Nuremberg, Germany.
SchoolFood4Change was thrilled to participate in the BIOFACH forum from February 11-14, 2025. This event, known as the World Leading Trade Fair for Organic Food, brought together the international organic community. Concurrently, the BIOFACH Congress 2025 was held under the motto “Yes, we do! – How to effect change in the organic food segment.” This congress served as a central platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange on innovative solutions and the shift towards more organic practices.
On February 12th, SchoolFood4Change hosted a session organized by ICLEI Europe, in collaboration with WWF Sweden, IFOAM Organics Europe, and the city of Nuremberg. This session emphasized the importance of healthy and sustainable school food.
We explored the policy framework for school meals in Europe and celebrated 10 success stories from schools and cities across the EU during the “SchoolFood4Change EU Awards Ceremony.” These stories demonstrated that transforming our food systems can begin in schools, thanks to innovative initiatives and teamwork among students, parents, and caterers.
Our moderators, ICLEI’s Vivien Franck, Eduardo Cuoco, and Laura Sauques, guided guests such as Britta Walthelm (Stadt Nürnberg), Kertli Ats (European Economic and Social Committee), Gijs Schilthuis (DG AGRI, European Commission), and participants, including school children from SF4C schools in Nuremberg, through the program.
List of awarded best practices:
Sustainable School Meal Transformation, Panino Catering, Nuremberg, Germany
Panino Catering in Nuremberg, led by Gabi Hoffmann, is awarded for transforming school meals to be healthier and more sustainable. They increased organic and unprocessed products, reduced meat dishes, and introduced homemade items. Despite initial challenges, their commitment has led to positive feedback and a rise in the number of meals served, inspiring other school caterers.
Food Education on Wheels, the City of Vienna and Danachda, Austria
The Department for Environmental Protection of Vienna and Danachda are honored for their innovative Food Trailer initiative. This mobile kitchen allows schools to conduct hands-on cooking workshops, teaching students about sustainable food practices. The “Deconstructed Burger” workshop is one example, offering a fun and educational experience that promotes planetary health diets.
Market Dialogues Pioneer, best newcomer, the City of Nuoro, Italy
The City of Nuoro is recognized for its inclusive market dialogues and prioritizing sustainability and health in 16 municipal schools. By incorporating extensive social and environmental criteria, including organic and locally sourced products, staff training, and inclusive menus, beyond the Italian legislation on sustainable procurement, Nuoro ensures all students receive nutritious, appetizing, and eco-friendly school meals.
Youth Engagement at school, Mahtra School, Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn Mahtra School is awarded for its exemplary implementation of the ‘Whole School Food Approach’. To contribute to the holistic nature of change at the school, students took the lead in transforming their school canteen into a warm and inviting space. This hands-on project has created a more enjoyable eating experience and highlights the power of student involvement in shaping their environment.
Holistic school food culture, the City of Umeå, Sweden
Umeå municipality is awarded for its exemplary implementation of the Whole School Food Approach (WSFA) through its Nature School.By building a strong local stakeholder group, Umeå successfully integrated WSFA into the school curriculum, enhancing education for sustainable development. Twenty institutions have achieved at least the bronze level of WSFA, fostering a sustainable food culture in schools and preschools.
Sustainable Food Procurement Champion,the City of Ghent, Belgium
The City of Ghent is recognized for its innovative and sustainable school catering program providing not only delicious but also healthy, sustainable, and affordable meals. With nearly a quarter of the ingredients being organic, Ghent sets a high standard for environmental stewardship. As a result, the city’s greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 40% bringing a positive change for both people and the planet.
Garden to Plate, the City of Milan, Italy
Milan has launched a comprehensive plan to provide nutritious, sustainable food to kindergarten and primary school pupils, along with activities for students, teachers, and parents. This initiative, in collaboration with various school food value chain actors, includes a “garden to plate” program. Pupils practice healthy eating by preparing dinners for their families at Milano Ristorazione centers, while caregivers observe and interact with a school cook. This innovative educational experience is unique in Italy.
Local and Organic School Food Champion, Dordogne department, France
The Dordogne region in France is known for its innovative school catering, offering 100% organic, locally sourced, homemade meals. This initiative enhances student health, promotes sustainability, and supports the local economy. By using organic, seasonal ingredients, Dordogne has reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased local food in school meals, setting a high standard for sustainable school catering in Europe.
Holistic Food Education, Fugnerova Louny preschool, Czech Republic, Louny
Fugnerova Louny Kindergarten holds a SF4C silver certificate and teaches young children about nutrition and sustainable food through hands-on activities like gardening, farm visits, and food preparation. They reduce food waste, promote healthy eating, and involve the community with events like the ‘Garden Festival’ and ‘Fair Breakfast’.
Community building for healthy eating, Preschool Lobelka, Slovakia, Liptovský Mikuláš
Kindergarten Lobelka in Liptovský Mikuláš, led by Mrs. Rojčeková, is celebrated for its dedication to food education and community engagement. Through the SchoolFood4Change program, they involve parents and host food-themed events. Their “Cooking with Integrity Together” project brings together chefs, parents, and food bloggers to promote healthy school meals and lifelong healthy eating habits.