Several entities integrated in the platform Schools that Feed, the Association of Nutritionists and Dieticians and the City Hall of Valencia are carrying out a campaign to promote healthy diets among the school population. It is particularly aimed at families who have joined the municipal School Meal Funding programme, which has been expanded as a result of the effects of the pandemic. However, the campaign is open to the entire school community.
Among the contents that have been prepared are sustainable and healthy weekly menus, tips for food shopping, recommendations on nutrition and information on the nutritional value of different foods. All the material is distributed among schools, leisure centres, Parents’ Associations and municipal social centres. In addition, it will be disseminated through institutional social networks and the City Council’s website so that anyone can access the content.
The mayor of Valencia, Joan Ribó, has said that “it is the responsibility of the administrations to promote a healthy eating culture and the first step is the children“. For her part, Rocío Planells, from the Association of Nutritionists and Dieticians of the Valencian Community (CODINUCOVA), has pointed out that “it is possible to make an economic, sustainable and nutritious food purchase, as well as one that is adapted to municipal grants in terms of price, whilst avoiding ultra-processed products, which will have a positive effect on everyone’s health”.
This initiative joins others carried out by the City Council of Valencia in the field of food systems. The municipal government team considers it essential to support local production and direct sales by promoting measures and strategies both in the line of production (defence of the market garden and local farming) and distribution (from Mercavalencia and local markets). Its importance has become apparent during the confinement period but remains essential thereafter.