Meatballs and Macaroni Added to School Menu to Encourage Picky Eaters
It was a surprise for the students at Kilbergsskolan when they found out about the new addition to their school menu. Meatballs and macaroni, their favorite dish, would now be served every day. The aim of this change is to encourage children who typically eat little or nothing from the school meals.
The initiative comes as a result of a citizens’ proposal from last year, which was worked on by the municipality’s nutrition unit. It is currently being tested in four schools, including Kilbergsskolan, according to a report by Ljusnan. At two schools, cold pasta and meatballs are being served in the salad buffet, while at the other two, a hot version is available.
There was initially a concern that some children would only choose to eat meatballs and neglect the other food options. However, diet manager Susanne Björklund explains that the decision was made on the belief that it is better for children to eat this than nothing at all.
A few weeks into the trial, it seems that the novelty of the meatballs and macaroni has worn off a bit among the children. Linda Pettersson, who works in the dining room, reveals that around seven kilos of meatballs are being fried every day. It appears that most students still opt for the regular food options. Pettersson notes that their choice depends on the availability of different dishes.
The experiment will be evaluated at the end of the semester, with a focus on reviewing waste and costs. One of the hopes is that the inclusion of meatballs will reduce the need for preparing special food.
Initially, some parents were skeptical about the new addition to the school menu. However, the tide has turned, and there have been overwhelmingly positive reactions from parents, according to Susanne Björklund.
School meals have a long history in Sweden, dating back to the second half of the 19th century when children in poor areas started receiving meals consisting of milk and porridge. The state began providing subsidies for school meals in 1937, and in 1997, it became mandatory for municipalities to serve free school meals to all students.
Overall, the addition of meatballs and macaroni to the school menu aims to encourage picky eaters to try the school food and ensure that all children receive a nutritious meal.