Stricter school meal rules spark funding concerns despite EU support
Schools across the country will soon face major changes to meal programmes under updated nutrition guidelines. The new rules prioritise whole, nutrient-rich foods while restricting processed items and added sugars. However, concerns remain over funding and practical challenges in kitchens already stretched thin by limited resources.
The European Union has pledged financial support through its school food programme, allocating over 220 million euros annually to help schools adapt. Yet, the shift will still demand time, training, and infrastructure upgrades before full implementation can take place.
The updated guidelines mark a significant departure from past standards. Schools will now focus on serving whole foods while cutting back on processed options. One notable change includes a potential ban on added sugars in meals for children, a move aimed at improving long-term health.
President Trump recently signed a separate bill allowing schools to serve whole and 2 percent milk, aligning with the new recommendations. This adjustment has drawn mixed reactions from food advocates, some of whom argue that more funding is essential for success. Schools currently spend about €3.67 per meal, a figure that covers staffing, equipment, and ingredients—costs that may rise under the stricter rules.
The European Union’s school fruit, vegetable, and milk programme will provide up to €220.8 million per year to ease the transition. Of this, €130.6 million will support fruit and vegetable distribution, while €90.1 million will go toward milk. Funds will be distributed based on national applications, offering some relief to schools struggling with the financial burden.
Despite the funding boost, many districts still face hurdles. Limited kitchen staff, outdated equipment, and a reliance on prepackaged foods could slow progress. Advocates have called for additional investments in training and infrastructure to ensure schools can meet the new standards effectively. Previous updates to nutrition guidelines took years to roll out fully, and this transition is expected to follow a similar timeline.
The new guidelines will reshape school meals, but their success hinges on more than just policy changes. Schools will need sustained financial support, better equipment, and trained staff to make the shift work. With the EU’s funding in place, the focus now turns to how quickly—and smoothly—districts can adapt to the stricter rules.
