School Feeding Programme

To establish guidelines for food and drinks provided within educational facilities, including school meals, cafeterias, kiosks, and vending machines, the Council of the Spanish National Health System approved the Consensus Document on Food in Educational Facilities on July 21, 2010 (Chapter VII of Law 17/2011) [1]. This document, endorsed by the Spanish Food Safety and Nutrition Agency, not only outlines nutritional criteria for food and drinks but also establishes specific recommendations on meal duration and the presence of trained personnel during mealtimes. It emphasises the importance of offering nutritional information to families and creating adapted menus for children with allergies or food intolerances.

According to the Consensus Document, meals served in school facilities should provide an adequate quantity and variety of food to meet the nutritional requirements of the school-age population, considering their period of growth and physical development [4]. Menus should be designed with consideration for the recommended weekly intake frequency of different food groups:

During school meals, it is recommended that water be the only available drink. Additionally, pre-cooked products should be limited to a maximum of three times per month, and the inclusion of fried side dishes should be avoided. Different cooking methods should be used for starters, main dishes, and accompanying side dishes. Olive oil or sunflower oil with a high content of oleic acid is preferred for fried dishes, while extra virgin olive oil is recommended for dressings [3]. These guidelines aim to promote healthier food choices and improve the nutritional quality of meals provided in schools throughout Spain.

Mandatory Free Fruit and Milk Distribution

In 2009, the Spanish government passed a law for the distribution of free fruit to school children under the EU School Fruit Scheme. In August 2017, the law was expanded to include milk distribution via the Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme (Regulation EU No 2016/791).

The Regulation on the new School Fruit, Vegetables, and Milk Scheme in Spain brings significant benefits to children in terms of their nutrition and overall wellbeing. Under this regulation, participating schools receive funding to provide free fruit, vegetables, and milk to their students:

The School Fruit, Vegetables, and Milk Scheme not only provide nutritional benefits but also promotes educational opportunities. It creates a platform for children to learn about the importance of a balanced diet and the benefits of consuming fruits, vegetables, and milk [2]. By incorporating these foods into their daily routines, children gain a better understanding of the role nutrition plays in maintaining good health.

Restrictions for Vending Machines and Cafeterias at School

In order to promote healthy eating habits among students in school facilities in Spain, specific nutritional criteria have been established for the food and drinks offered in vending machines and cafeterias. These criteria aim to align the available food options with the dietary guidelines for the school-age population and to prevent overweight or obesity among students. The emphasis is on creating a healthy eating environment by limiting the consumption of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt products while providing healthier alternatives [3].

With regards to vending machines, their unrestricted nature and lack of adult supervision pose a risk, particularly for younger students who may consume excessive amounts of certain foods between meals, thereby disrupting their balanced diet. As a precautionary measure, the installation of vending machines is not permitted in areas accessible to children under 12 years old or students with special educational needs [3]. Additionally, vending machine advertising in areas accessible to secondary education students (between 13 and 16 years old) are eliminated to mitigate the potential influence on students' food and drink choices [1]. The regulation prohibits the sale of soft drinks, sweets and candies, ice lollies and sorbets, and chocolate and salted snacks in schools. The remaining food products must comply with the following nutritional limits per package or portion size:

• A maximum energy value of 200 kcal;
• A maximum of 35% of energy coming from fats;
• A maximum of 10% of energy coming from saturated fats;
• The absence of trans-fatty acids, except for those found naturally in meat and dairy products;
• A maximum of 30% of energy coming from total sugars;
• A maximum of 0.5 g of salt (0.2 g of sodium);
• Food and drinks must not contain artificial sweeteners;
• They must not contain caffeine or other stimulants, except those naturally present in cocoa [3].

Nutritional Education at Spanish Schools

Recognising that nutrition plays a crucial role in a child's growth and development, in 2010, the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs approved legislation concerning nutrition education in schools. Currently, aspects of nutrition and food are covered in various subjects such as natural, social, and cultural environment studies at the primary level, science at the secondary level, and applied anatomy in high school.

Spain's comprehensive approach to school feeding programmes, nutritional education, and guidelines for vending machines and cafeterias demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting healthy eating habits and ensuring the well-being of students. These initiatives contribute to the overall development and long-term health of students, setting a positive example for other nations to prioritise the nutritional needs of their youth.

References

[1] González MÁSJ, Baviera LCB, Moreno-Villares JM (2021) Comedores preescolares y escolares. Guías, recomendaciones y normativa en España. An Pediatr (Barc);95:55.

[2] Government of Spain (2017) SPANISH STRATEGY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHOOL FRUIT, VEGETABLES AND MILK SCHEME FROM SCHOOL YEARS 2017/2018 TO 2022/2023. https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2018-10/es-school-scheme-strategy-2017-23_en_0.pdf

[3] Weichselbaum, E., et al (2011) “Nutrition in schools across Europe: a summary report of a meeting of European Nutrition Foundations, Madrid”. British Nutrition Foundation Nutrition Bulletin, 36, 124–141.

[4] Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport and Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality (2010) “CONSENSUS DOCUMENT ON FOOD IN EDUCATIONAL CENTRES. Spain” https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2017-07/jrc-school-food-policy-factsheet-spain_en.pdf