EU school program for fruit, vegetables and milk: start of applications

Kindergartens, primary and special schools can once again apply for the EU school program with two portions of fresh fruit, vegetables and milk per week. The online application process for the coming school year starts on Wednesday, the Ministry of Agriculture announced on Tuesday. In addition to the additional vitamin intake, the program is linked to interesting educational offers such as farm visits, said Agriculture Minister Wolfram Günther (Greens). "Children taste fruit, vegetables and milk and at the same time learn what healthy eating involves and how food is produced."

According to the information provided, the application deadline is 16 April and the approved facilities will be announced at the beginning of May. Only primary and special schools can use the "Fruit and Vegetables" part of the program. The "Milk" part of the program is also open to crèches and kindergartens. Participation in the EU school program for fruit, vegetables and milk is intended to promote healthy eating in the institutions. The EU is providing Saxony with around 1.62 million euros for this in the coming school year. The Free State is adding 600,000 euros from its own funds, supplemented by funding in the amount of the sales tax.