In Freiburg, children in day care centers and schools will not be served fish or meat from next year. The requirement is bitter for many parents. Even the state ministry is concerned: A purely plant-based diet is unhealthy. The food expert Gertrud Winkler sees things differently.
The nutrition expert Gertrud Winkler has welcomed the Freiburg decision for a vegetarian standard menu at primary schools and daycare centers. "With regard to sustainability, a forward-looking decision was made," said the professor from Albstadt-Sigmaringen University in Sigmaringen.
The Freiburg municipal council had decided that children in city day-care centers and elementary schools would only be able to eat vegetarian food from the coming school year. In addition, the prices for school meals will be gradually increased from the 2023/24 school year. The decision had triggered criticism, including from the Stuttgart Ministry of Agriculture.
"From a scientific point of view, there is nothing wrong with only offering vegetarian dishes in day-care centers and elementary schools for a healthy diet," said Winkler. "In this age group - assuming a varied diet - you can cover the nutritional requirements with vegetarian food."
Regarding the objection from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, according to which meat is also part of a balanced diet, the university teacher said: "I assume that the majority of children get meat and sausages at home." Thus, the argument of the ministry is satisfied, said Winkler. She is Dean of Studies in Sigmaringen for the areas of food, nutrition and hygiene.
