School nutrition programs expand in the Netherlands and Belgium

New initiatives are being implemented to improve nutrition in schools across the Netherlands and Belgium.

In the Netherlands, the EU-Schoolfruit program will increase the number of organic portions provided to students starting in the 2026/2027 school year. The number of organic portions will rise from six to ten per student out of a total of 60 portions of fruit and vegetables. The program also aims to increase variety by limiting the number of times the same type of vegetable can be delivered. The program is funded by the European Union and administered by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

In Brussels, the Flemish Community Commission (VGC) has allocated approximately 440,000 euros to combat food poverty in preschools. This funding, part of the ‘Healthy Nutrition at School 2026-2030’ project, targets 27 schools where at least 80 percent of students come from socially vulnerable families. The investment will support breakfast initiatives, snacks, and warm meals, with an emphasis on sustainability, quality, and local products.