The new EU school fruit, vegetables and milk scheme will be in place on 1 August, ready to be implemented across the Union from the first day of the 2017-2018 school year, states the European Commission in a press release published on Monday 31 July (see EUROPE 11743).
Under the scheme fruit, vegetables and milk products are distributed to school children and dedicated educational programmes teach pupils about the importance of good nutrition.
Over 20 million children benefitted from the scheme last year. Although participation is optional, all 28 member states have indicated they will take part in the initiative in the 2017-2018 school year. Fresh fruit, vegetables and drinking milk will be given as a priority to school children. Processed products, such as soup, fruit compotes, juice, yoghurts and cheese, may also be distributed if this choice is approved by the national health authorities.
No added sugar, salt or fat are allowed unless the national health authorities permit limited quantities.
Of the €250 million EU funding agreed for 2017–2018 school year, roughly €150 million will be allocated to fruit and vegetables and €100 million to milk. From 1 August 2017, the two current schemes – the school fruit and vegetables scheme and the school milk scheme – will be brought under a single legal framework. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)