MEPs, after a debate on Monday in plenary, approved today Tuesday a resolution on the implementation of the program for fruit, vegetables, milk and milk products in schools with 534 votes in favor, 57 against and 23 abstentions.

Bigger and better allocated budget

Despite strong demand in some member states from schools to join the EU meals funding, tight budgets have prevented the scheme from reaching many pupils, MEPs have warned. Hence, ask for a budget increase, so that the products can be distributed to more students, more often and on a regular basis.

Since there are large differences between Member States in the implementation of the programme, the approved resolution proposes redistributing the amounts not used by some Member States to others. At least 10% of the funding should be earmarked for educational initiatives on healthy eating habits, MEPs add.

Quality products more simply distributed

Fruit, vegetables and dairy products distributed in EU schools should be unprocessed, without added sugar, fat, salt or sweeteners, organic, locally produced and with quality labels, MEPs say.

School participation in the scheme must be simpler to be attractive, MEPs are calling for a reduction in red tape for schools. They also suggest exploring the possibility of extending the program to candidate countries.

Lena Flitzani