Tailored Education Could Favor Selective Students
As schools reopen across Germany, the topic of school meals has gained renewed attention. A study from the UK suggests that a warm school lunch could help picky children get a balanced and healthy diet. However, around 30 percent of students in Germany do not have the option for a warm school meal, according to unspecified sources.
A 2023 study by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) found that 69 percent of students aged 6 to 17 in Germany can have a warm school meal. Yet, there are no representative data on the quality of school food in Germany, as stated by nutritionist Schnur.
Nutritionist Timper offers practical advice for parents and schools. He suggests that children should be able to choose how much and which components of a school meal they want, and a buffet where children can put together their own meal is ideal. If a child cannot stand the school food and it stresses them, Timper suggests providing an alternative meal to take with them.
Timper also emphasizes the importance of encouraging children to try new foods at home. He recommends letting children help decide what's for dinner and assist in preparing it, and also sets a good example by being curious and eager to test new foods themselves.
The study surveyed around 5,300 teenagers aged 13 about their eating habits at school. In the school cafeteria, picky eaters were more likely to eat meat, fish, and fruit, suggesting that the variety offered may help entice children to try new foods.
Moreover, a shared lunch has a bonding effect, according to Timper. He also suggests always asking children if they'd like to try something at mealtimes at home and accepting their refusal or dislike of the food.
In the school cafeteria, children have the opportunity to try foods and dishes they may not know from home. This exposure could help broaden their culinary horizons and encourage them to be more adventurous eaters.
Despite the benefits of school meals, family norms have a stronger influence on the contents of the lunch box than on the choice of school meals, as concluded by the study. This underscores the importance of fostering a positive relationship with food at home.
Unfortunately, there is no information available about an organization in Germany that offers a nationwide program for warm school meals. However, with the rising awareness of the importance of nutrition and the benefits of school meals, it is hoped that such initiatives will emerge in the future.
Timper advises parents to put as little pressure on the child regarding school food and to stay relaxed. He believes that by encouraging a positive attitude towards food and offering a variety of options, we can help our children develop healthy eating habits and enjoy their meals.
