When talking about responsible eating we mean a healthy and environmentally friendly diet. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers that a third of all diseases are due to environmental causes, including eating habits. This figure can rise to 40% in the case of childhood.
In Spain, around 1,7 million boys and girls eat in school canteens. Different associations of fathers, mothers and diverse organizations work so that this diet is healthy, balanced, and with social commitments. Let us remember that one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations, is focused on the production and responsible consumption of food.
Advantages of a responsible diet
Currently, there is a Guide for school canteens that provides recommendations to make school menus healthier. But when we talk about Responsible eating must go a step further. In this concept, it is also valued in criteria of economic, social and environmental sustainability.
Some of the advantages of eat local foods They are clear: less pollution from transport, greater control of raw materials, promotion of the local economy ... These criteria must be included in school canteens, and in public contracts. With points that promote the production, transformation and preparation of food in close proximity, consumption of seasonal food from organic agriculture and livestock.
La feeding is part of learning, and this includes the non-waste of food. The canteens serve to sensitize boys and girls as future consumers and producers, promote healthy eating habits and prevent obesity and other diseases. School canteens are also excellent transmitters of the Mediterranean Diet, Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
What do parents want from school canteens?
We tell you some of the data that reflects what parents want when it comes to leaving their children in school canteens. They all consider the school cafeteria as an opportunity for children to acquire healthy eating habits. For this, it is necessary to favor the consumption of fresh products, ending with the promotion of consumption patterns for packaged and precooked products.
Families in general they want kitchen on site, this means the school's own kitchen, and not the so-called cold catering line. More than 92% of those surveyed find it bad that it is cooked far from the center and that the food is distributed every several days. They also bet on local products, and many of them demand organic products. It is about, on the other hand, invigorating the rural environment, supporting local production and facilitating the incorporation of young people into the labor market.
Fathers and mothers also demand that local companies take over the service. They ask the administrations that the tenders facilitate access to smaller players, and limit the number of intermediaries. Other aspects that concern mothers is conflict resolution, or the number of students per caregiver, or caregiver in charge.
Responsibility of the adult in responsible eating
In school canteens Adults and children must take their responsibilities when it comes to feeding themselves or providing food. As an example, the responsibilities of adults would be:
- Choose the foods available to the child, which ones are served at meals, how they are presented, and the timing of meals.
- Offer a ration of food adapted to age. Take into account the feeling of hunger and satiety expressed by the child.
- Promote a good environment at mealtime, with a model that ensures healthy habits.
- For their part, the boy and the girl must also respond with their respectful participation to the same extent.
In Spain there are various platforms, and organizations, that work for a change of model in the management of school canteens and of other communities. Some of them plan issues such as public educational centers having a kitchen and dining room; support and advise the associations of mothers and fathers who choose the creation and recovery of kitchens and the co-management of the service.