Poland to overhaul school meals and health education from September 2026

From 1 September 2026 Polish schools and kindergartens will follow new nutrition standards set by the Ministry of Health. Cafeterias must serve at least one fully plant‑based dish each week, prepared from legumes, and offer plant‑based alternatives on days when meat or fish are served. Two days a week will feature meals with fresh meat, one day a fish dish, and a flexible day may be plant‑based, grain‑based or fish‑based. Soups must be based on vegetable broth at least twice weekly, and every meal must include a vegetable or fruit, with vegetables outnumbering fruit. The rules also call for more whole‑grain products, plant oils, a limit of two fried dishes per week, and a preference for seasonal, local, and ecological ingredients. Free instructional materials and 25 recipes are provided online to help schools implement the changes.

At the same time, the Ministry of National Education will introduce a compulsory "health education" subject starting the 2026/2027 school year. It replaces the former "family life education" and will be taught for one hour per week in primary schools (grades 4‑8) and two hours total in secondary schools. Content will cover first aid, digital hygiene and mental health, while topics on sexual health are moved to a new optional subject with limited annual hours. Existing teachers of biology, natural sciences, physical education and school psychologists can deliver the lessons, and no additional staff are required. School directors will schedule the optional sexual‑health classes.