Currently, only about twenty percent of schools in the EU make use of such a European subsidy scheme. That number needs to increase, say EU politicians in Strasbourg. According to the European Parliament, more money should be allocated to this scheme.
For years there has been an EU scheme designed to make it more attractive for schools to provide vegetables, fruit, milk, and dairy products. In recent years, only sixteen of the 76 million pupils have benefited from it. In certain EU countries, schools are eager to participate, while in other member states there is little or no interest in the program.
It is also difficult for some school authorities and farmers to participate in the program because EU countries have incorporated too many rules. Therefore, the non-binding resolution adopted by the European Parliament asks EU countries to simplify the rules. The European Commission is currently working on revising the scheme, but it is unclear whether the Commission will come forward with increased funding.
It is very important to the European Parliament that children and young people eat healthily, as stated in the adopted report. This means not only that vegetables, fruit, milk, and other dairy products should be more accessible at school, but also that these products should be organic and produced locally.
Furthermore, food in school canteens must not contain added fats, sugars, salt, or sweeteners. In addition, at least ten percent of the subsidy budget must be spent on lessons about healthy eating and drinking habits.
The Party for the Animals voted against the initiative report from the agricultural committee. According to the PvdD, the multi-million budgets for school milk are essentially productivity-boosting subsidies for the dairy industry. The industrial livestock lobby fiercely resisted including plant-based alternatives for school milk.