From a young age: Saarland focuses on healthy nutrition - Saarland boosts children's health with fresh food and nutrition programmes

The Saarland is expanding efforts to promote healthy eating among children and young people. This year, a nutrition conference will bring together institutions to discuss better food choices. Meanwhile, new funding and programmes are already making fresh produce more accessible in schools and daycare centers across the region.

Currently, 32,200 children and adolescents at 244 schools receive 200 grams of fresh fruit and vegetables each week through the EU School Fruit Scheme. The programme, fully funded by the Ministry of Social Affairs, also now includes an extra 1,680 daycare children from disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Neunkirchen, Völklingen, and Saarbrücken-Burbach.

The region is pushing for locally sourced, sustainable meals in daycare centers and schools. New initiatives include training specialists, providing educational materials, and running cooking classes. Minister Petra Berg has stressed the need for regular, healthy eating habits from an early age.

To further encourage good nutrition, the Saarland Nutrition Prize will again recognise institutions that improve children's diets. Support is also growing for school and daycare gardens, helping to teach young people about regional food production. Funding for the EU School Fruit Scheme will continue into the next academic year.

The expanded programmes mean more children will have access to fresh, healthy food. With ongoing training, awards, and garden projects, the Saarland aims to build long-term habits around better nutrition. Schools and daycare centers will keep receiving support to make these changes possible.