EU School Scheme feeds 19 million children with fresh produce and dairy
The EU School Scheme continues to provide millions of children with access to fresh produce and dairy products. In the 2022/23 school year, the programme reached over 19 million pupils across 25 member states. Austria alone distributed more than 2,500 tons of food to hundreds of thousands of children.
The scheme operates through EU funding, with €220.8 million allocated each school year. Of this, €130.6 million supports fruit and vegetable distribution, while €90.1 million goes toward milk and dairy products. Subsidies vary: 50% of costs are covered for conventional items, rising to 70% for organic produce.
In Austria, 602,100 children took part in the programme during 2022/23. Primary school pupils made up 42.9% of participants, while 41.1% attended secondary schools and 15.9% were in nurseries or kindergartens. Nationwide, 1,088 tons of fruit and vegetables were handed out, with apples being the most common item. Meanwhile, 1,423 tons of milk products—particularly drinking cocoa—reached around 259,000 children.
Beyond food distribution, the scheme includes educational activities. These teach children about farming, food variety, and healthy eating. The goal is to help them understand where food comes from and how diet affects health and the environment.
Across the EU, 19.41 million children benefited from the programme in 2022/23. Most were in primary schools (74.1%), followed by nurseries (16.1%) and secondary schools (9.8%).
The EU School Scheme remains one of the largest initiatives promoting healthy eating among children. By combining food distribution with education, it connects young people to agriculture and nutrition. The programme's reach—spanning 25 countries—ensures millions receive fresh, subsidised produce each year.
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