Sustainable school catering

As the school authority, the City of Bochum is responsible for the implementation of school meal programs. The project aims to promote healthy and sustainable school meals and to fundamentally change eating habits in the pilot schools through the active participation of the schools and their school communities. In collaboration with four secondary schools in Bochum, a customized catering concept will be developed that is tailored to the internal needs and specific conditions of the participating schools.

The following topics, among others, should be included in the food service plans:

Catering services that comply with the recommendations of the German Nutrition Society (DGE), including the use of organic and locally sourced foods
Integration of the Whole-School Approach
Measures to Prevent Food Waste
Implementation of nudging measures (encouraging healthier or more sustainable decisions without coercion)
Raising Awareness of Nutrition Education in the Classroom

By raising awareness of and promoting a more mindful approach to nutrition and food—with a focus on climate and environmental protection, resource consumption, but also in terms of health, performance, and social participation, the school community helps shape a vibrant and strong Bochum through the sustainable focus of school meals.

As part of the project, concepts and elements for sustainable school meals are being developed.

The following schools are participating:

Märkisches Gymnasium Wattenscheid
Nelson Mandela School
Heinrich Böll Gesamtschule
Anne Frank Realschule, Bochum
Heinrich von Kleist Gymnasium, Bochum
Willy Brandt Gesamtschule

Oliver Müller
Project Management
e-mail: OMueller@bochum.de
Telephone: 0234 910 2053
Raimund Bogatzki
Employees
e-mail: RBogatzki@bochum.de
Telephone: 0234 910 1949
Anette Eichler
employee
e-mail: AEichler@bochum.de
Telephone: 0234 910 3864
Sonja Barsig
employee
e-mail: SBarsig@bochum.de
Telephone: 0234 910 3166
Karen Biesgen
employee
e-mail: KBiesgen@bochum.de
Telephone: 0234 910 1626

Address: Universitätsstr. 43-49, 44789 Bochum

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is sustainable school food?

Sustainable school meals aim to provide students with healthy and environmentally friendly food.

What are the goals of the “Sustainable School Meals” pilot project?

The “Sustainable School Meals” pilot project has several key objectives aimed at ensuring that the schools in Bochum participating in the project provide meals that promote health and are environmentally friendly.

Health Promotion:

Providing balanced and nutritious meals that meet the needs of children and adolescents
Promotion of fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced foods

Environmental sustainability:

Reducing food waste through efficient planning and preparation
Use of organically grown and fair-trade products

Social aspects:

Creating a pleasant dining atmosphere that encourages social interaction
Involving students in the planning of meals, for example through student-run businesses

Economic sustainability:

Efficient use of resources and cost management to ensure the long-term financial viability of food services

These goals help ensure that school meals are not only healthy but also make a positive contribution to environmental protection and social justice. In addition, participatory planning and the resulting target-group-oriented design promote the transition of food services at Bochum’s educational institutions toward predictable and sustainable meals.

What is Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in schools?

ESD in schools represents a holistic educational approach that engages everyone in the school community—students, parents, teachers, and other stakeholders—and empowers them to incorporate forward-thinking and sustainable ways of thinking and acting into their daily school life.

Why is ESD important?

ESD promotes understanding of global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and social injustice, and supports the development of sustainable solutions. All stakeholders contribute to shaping a future-oriented and sustainable world in a responsible manner.

What is the "Whole School Approach"?

ESD is implemented through the "Whole School Approach" (WSA), which is a holistic approach to school and instructional development in schools of all types. The WSA aims to embed sustainability in all areas of school life and to actively involve the entire school community in decision-making and development processes.

This also includes decision-making processes related to school meals, such as the introduction of sustainable and healthy meal options, initiatives to combat food waste, and ESD projects on the topic of “healthy and sustainable nutrition.” The goal is to develop a forward-looking “school” as a learning space that raises awareness of a sustainability-oriented teaching and learning culture within the school community.