160 randomly selected participants discussed nutrition in a citizens’ assembly – and have now presented their recommendations. The most important suggestion is free lunch in schools and daycare centers. But there are eight more pieces of advice.
The Citizens’ Assembly “Nutrition in Transition” has presented its recommendations for the German Bundestag. The total of nine pieces of advice were presented to Bundestag President Bärbel Bas. Number one is the recommendation that all children nationwide should be provided with a free and healthy lunch every day in daycare centers and schools.
This is a matter for the states, but the federal government should finance at least half of it. So far, only children at risk of poverty could receive a free lunch. The recommendation is that the expansion should promote healthy nutrition for children. Free lunch could be introduced in phases within eight years, starting in daycare centers.
One label and new ones VAT rates
The 160 participants in the citizens’ assembly also recommend a mandatory state label for conscious shopping, the mandatory distribution of edible food by food retailers and a transparent presentation of living conditions and the origin of animals. A new tax rate for food is also necessary.
The Citizens’ Council also recommends healthy, balanced and adapted communal catering in hospitals, rehabilitation, senior citizens’ and other care facilities. He proposes a consumption tax to promote animal welfare and an age limit for energy drinks. There should also be more staff for food inspections.
“Innovative example of living democracy”
The Citizens’ Council met on three weekends to make its recommendations, and Zoom meetings also took place. “The first Citizens’ Assembly of the German Bundestag is a successful and innovative example of living democracy,” explained Bundestag President Bas. The completed citizens’ report is to be handed over to them on February 20th. At the event, an initial cross-party discussion of the recommendations with specialist politicians is planned.
At a later date, the citizens’ report will be discussed in the plenary session and in specialist committees. A scientific advisory board, for which all parliamentary groups in the German Bundestag nominated experts, supported the committee in its work. However, the Citizens’ Assembly’s ideas are not binding for the legislature.
Last summer, Bundestag President Bas selected the citizens’ assembly participants in a “citizens lottery”. According to the Bundestag, almost 20,000 randomly selected citizens were contacted, and more than 2,000 of them registered for possible participation in the Citizens’ Assembly.