Schoolchildren in Sweden are enjoying a
trial program in which their meals will not only be free - but also nutritious, delicious,
and sustainable. That seems remarkable compared with what many other students in countries like the U.S. eat. But it should be the norm and the obvious baseline!
Sign the petition to urge leaders in other countries, including the U.S., the U.K., and the larger European Union to implement this program for all schools!Meals in Swedish schools have already been free for all children since it was enshrined in a
1997 law, and in 2011 the government mandated that these meals should also be healthy and properly nutritious for young growing minds. Now, however, these meals are also helping to tackle the ongoing problem of food-waste and sustainability!
The program works like this: local grocery stores donate excess fresh fruits and vegetables instead of throwing them away.
Schools take those donations and staff turn them into robust meals for students. Some of the options in Swedish schools have even included overnight oats and juice shots made out of ingredients like lemons, mint, ginger, and apples.
Compare this with an average American lunch for children that consists of pizza, fries, chicken nuggets, spaghetti, and burgers.
It's easy to see the impact this has on children. Decades of research have shown the importance of nutrition for fostering better childhood development. It has been shown to improve academic performance, cognitive development, emotional regulation, energy and engagement, memory, and concentration.
Why wouldn't we want to set our children up for success? After all, they're the future of the world!Sweden's amazing pilot program to bring more fresh fruits and vegetables into school, while reducing food waste, should become the norm! Sign the petition asking the rest of the European Union to recreate this program, and for the U.S. and U.K. to implement similar programs as well! Let's help children and the Earth at the same time.