According to the Greens in the state parliament, Bavaria’s elementary school students should in future receive a free organic lunch – ideally prepared by the children. “With the free healthy food, we want to bring as many children as possible to the table. Eating together has always been community-building,” said parliamentary group leader Katharina Schulze. On Tuesday, the state parliament will deal with the draft law for the first time, which, according to Schulze, also makes a contribution to climate protection. “Because the 100% organic portion of lunch strengthens ecological agriculture by providing a secure market for the school segment.” The aim of the application is for all elementary schools that offer lunch to be able to serve meals prepared according to specified quality criteria.
The Free State should cover the costs as completely as possible: The draft provides for a subsidy of up to 6.59 euros per lunch. According to the German Society for Nutrition, with this amount it is possible to offer a lunch at a primary school that consists of 100 percent organic products. “Our Green draft law increases equal opportunities because socially disadvantaged children in particular benefit from a free and healthy lunch at school,” added Green education politician Gabriele Triebel. According to experts, a large number of children gained significant weight during the pandemic – to an “alarming extent”.