mandating nutritious meals for children: NRW needs to provide complimentary healthy food options in nurseries and schools

In North Rhine-Westphalia, a significant number of children and young people rely on kindergartens and schools for their daily meals. These environments, after home, are the second most important environments for their growth and development.

However, a recent nationwide survey, 'Quality of School Catering', has revealed some concerning findings. The survey indicates a lack of variety in school meals, with too many meat dishes, too little vegetables, and too few whole grain products or fish dishes offered. The situation in kindergartens is similar.

The survey also highlights an issue of unequal access to healthy and balanced meals. Children from poor and at-risk households are disadvantaged in terms of 'Healthy Eating'. This is a societal concern that needs attention.

The majority of schools and kindergartens in North Rhine-Westphalia rely on caterers for their meals. Yet, the kitchen companies supplying nearly half of these institutions are not explicitly named in the provided search results. This lack of transparency raises questions about the quality and consistency of the meals being served.

In fact, only 14% of schools in North Rhine-Westphalia prepare meals in a fresh kitchen, while 16% offer meals from chilled components (Cook & Chill). In 12% of schools, frozen products are served. These statistics suggest a need for improvement in the quality of meals provided.

Oberhausen MP Sonja Bongers has voiced her concerns about this situation. She believes that the state government must ensure all children and young people in North Rhine-Westphalia have access to healthy and balanced meals in kindergartens and schools. Bongers emphasizes the need to improve the quality of meals for the development, health, and future healthy lifestyle of children and young people.

Bongers also states that the catering in schools often does not meet the standards of healthy and balanced eating. She believes that the state government's failure to ensure access to healthy and balanced meals for all children and young people is a problem that needs to be addressed.

In conclusion, the quality of meals in kindergartens and schools is crucial for the development, health, and future healthy lifestyle of children and young people. It is a concern that needs to be addressed to ensure all children have equal opportunities for a healthy future.