The Schoolfood4Change project with their partners has demonstrated that with the right support and collaboration, schools and cities can make substantial progress in creating healthier, more sustainable food systems.
Schools and cities implementing the Whole School Food Approach, have made significant strides in transforming school food systems across Europe. The 2024 Yearly State of Play report by Rikolto showcases numerous inspiring examples from participating partners, demonstrating the project’s impact on promoting healthier, more sustainable food practices. The inspiring examples highlighted in the 2024 Yearly State of Play report serve as a testament to the positive impact of the SF4C initiative and offer valuable lessons for other communities looking to embark on a similar journey. Here follows some of the collected stories in short.
Innovative School Catering in Dunkirk, France
Dunkirk, France, has implemented an all-in-one school catering management software developed in collaboration with the IT startup Welleat. This software optimizes various aspects of school catering, including human resources, food waste reduction, and environmental impact. The use of artificial intelligence helps in menu planning, ensuring nutritional balance and sustainability.
School Meals and InfoMenu in Milan, Italy
Milan’s schools have introduced a comprehensive menu system that emphasizes organic products, seasonality, and the transition towards plant-based diets. The InfoMenu, distributed twice a year, provides detailed information about the menu, including the environmental impact of each meal. This initiative educates students and families about sustainable food choices.
Reducing Food Waste in Valencia, Spain
At CEIP Mestre Rafael Noguera in Valencia, Spain, the school has implemented a series of activities to reduce food waste. These include measuring food waste, adjusting portion sizes, and training students on waste reduction. The initiatives have led to a significant decrease in food waste and increased awareness among students.
Transforming the Canteen Menu in Ghent, Belgium
In Ghent, Belgium, the schools ‘GO! Middle School’ and ‘GO! Atheneum Voskenslaan’ have collaborated to offer healthier and more sustainable food options. They introduced plant-based sandwich spreads and launched “Thursday Veggie Day,” which has been a great success in promoting vegetarian options among students.
September in the Field in Liptovsky Mikulas, Slovakia
In Liptovsky Mikulas, Slovakia, the Private Kindergarten LOBELKA has a tradition of starting the school year with a potato-picking day at a local farm. This hands-on experience teaches children about the origins of their food and the importance of local agriculture, fostering a connection between students and their food sources.
Curious to read more? The report contains many more brilliant examples and can be found here: