Serving more than 50 million EU children every day and providing up to 50% of their energy, school meals have a major impact on children's health, farmers' work and the environment. Organic school meals are a powerful policy tool, aligned with the EU's Agriculture 2040 vision, and contribute to the sustainability of the European agri-food system, its competitiveness and food sovereignty in the EU. Programmes such as, SchoolFood4Change, puts it into practice by combining organic school meals with farm visits, cooking classes and a holistic school food approach that teaches future generations to respect food, farmers and the environment - not only in lessons but also in experiences.

During the debate, Agriculture and Food Commissioner Christoph Hansen touched on a number of important points, saying that "Healthy and sustainable food is the responsibility of politicians, schools and consumers. We need to connect consumers with food producers and ensure fair prices for farmers. Educating children about food production is the key to a better future".

Health and Animal Welfare Commissioner Olivérs Várhelyi stressed that "School food is about creating healthy, successful generations. With more than half of EU adults overweight, we need to start at school to teach children healthy eating habits. Investing in it now will bring lasting health and economic benefits.”

IFOAM Organics Europe and ICLEI Europe calls for minimum criteria in public food procurement, including, A target of at least 20% of organic products in public canteens. School meals can be a catalyst for transforming the food system towards a more sustainable one, supporting farmers practising sustainable production methods such as organic farmers, promoting children's health and revitalising rural communities. The minimum requirements set out in our manifesto and promoted through the 'Buy Better Food' campaign can bring about this change.

As Eduardo Cuoco, Director of IFOAM Organics Europe, said.School food is not just a meal - it is an investment in the health of our children, a driver of the rural economy and a strategic tool for shaping the future of agriculture!".