Last week, saw the launch of the new EU school fruit, vegetables and milk scheme, which includes Malta and Gozo. The scheme is to be ready for implementation across the Union as of the first day of the 2017/2018 school year.

The scheme will include the distribution of fruit, vegetables and milk products and is aimed at promoting healthy eating habits among children.

In Malta, for this scheme, the EU definitive allocation for school fruit and vegetables is €372 747 and for school milk €144 750.

The scheme will also involve dedicated educational programmes to teach pupils about the importance of good nutrition and to explain how food is produced.

The European Commission said that although participation is optional, all 28 Member States indicated they will take part in the initiative in the 2017/2018 school year.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan, said, “I am very pleased that the new school scheme will be introduced tomorrow. The scheme provides valuable support to millions of European schoolchildren and thousands of farmers in every Member State.”

“Such support has proven particularly important for farmers in recent years and the increased funding will enhance the value of this support. In addition, the new scheme meets my priority of simplification through the integration of the former school milk and vegetable schemes,” he added.

The Commission pointed out that fresh fruit, vegetables and drinking milk will be given as a priority to school children.

“Processed products such as soup, fruit compotes, juice, yogurts and cheese may also be distributed if this choice is approved by the national health authorities. No added sugar, salt and fat are allowed unless the national health authorities permit limited quantities,” the Commission said.

Member States have the option to top up the EU aid with national aid for financing the scheme. They can also decide on the exact way to put the scheme in place, like the inclusion of thematic educational measures and other agricultural products.

The Commission explained that this choice of products will be based on health and environmental considerations, seasonality, variety and availability with priority to EU products.

“Member States may encourage local or regional purchasing, organic products, short supply chains, environmental benefits, agricultural quality schemes,” it said.

Last year, around 20 million children benefited from the milk scheme and around 11.7 million children from the fruit and vegetables scheme.

Photograph: Alain Salvary

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