This publication presents the findings of a study commissioned by the European Committee of the Regions as part of the project ‘Study on the EU School Scheme from the Regional and Local Perspective – Enhancing Impact, Alignment and Integration into Food Strategies’.
The report examines the implementation and impact of the EU School Scheme, which has promoted healthy eating habits among schoolchildren since 2017 by providing them with fresh fruit, vegetables and milk, as well as educational activities. Evidence shows that the scheme broadly meets its objectives, although its effectiveness varies across Member States.
In Austria, Italy and Germany, for example, the scheme has demonstrated strong regional integration, enhancing environmental and nutritional awareness in communities and supporting local economies by collaborating with farmers, producers and suppliers. In countries such as France, Estonia, and Sweden, the programme consistently promotes organic and seasonal produce. In other regions, more conventional items remain prevalent.
The report also provides a set of recommendations to improve the scheme’s local and regional impact and strengthen its role in transforming the sustainable food system.
Publication: The European Committee of the Regions, 2025
Author: Dr Izabela Marcinkowska, CASE – Center for Social and Economic Research
