Researchers in Germany looked at school lunch menus to see if they were healthy and fair for all students, no matter how rich or poor their school was. They compared two states: one where healthy lunch standards were required, and one where schools could choose. The study found that schools following the strict rules served healthier meals with more vegetables, fish, and organic food. The good news? Poor and rich schools served the same quality meals. But even the strict states weren’t perfect—many schools still need to do better at following all the healthy eating rules.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether school lunches in Germany were healthy and fair, and if schools in poorer areas got worse food than schools in richer areas
  • Who participated: 146 schools total (67 from a state with required healthy lunch standards, 79 from a state where it was optional). Schools were picked randomly based on how wealthy their students’ families were
  • Key finding: Schools that had to follow strict healthy eating rules served much better meals with more vegetables, fish, and organic food. Importantly, poor schools and rich schools got the same quality meals—there was no unfair difference based on how much money the school had
  • What it means for you: If your child’s school follows strict healthy eating standards, they’re likely getting better lunches. However, even schools trying to follow the rules could improve. This suggests that making healthy lunches mandatory works better than leaving it optional

The Research Details

Researchers collected lunch menus from schools in two German states with different approaches to healthy eating standards. One state required all schools to follow strict healthy lunch rules (called OSFS), while the other state let schools choose whether to follow them (called VSFS). The team then carefully looked at each menu to see how well it matched the healthy eating requirements. They checked things like whether meals had vegetables, whole grains, fish, and vegetarian options. They used special math tools to figure out if schools with more disadvantaged students got worse meals than schools with wealthier students.

The researchers picked schools randomly from official school lists, making sure to include schools from different wealth levels. They invited schools to share their menus voluntarily, which means schools could choose whether to participate. This is important because it might mean the schools that participated were already trying harder to have healthy meals.

This study design helps answer a real-world question: does making healthy lunches a requirement actually work? By comparing two different approaches in the same country, researchers could see the real difference that rules make. It also checks whether poorer schools get left behind—an important fairness question

Strengths: The study looked at actual menus from real schools, not just what schools said they served. It compared two different systems side-by-side, which helps show what works. Weaknesses: Schools volunteered to participate, so schools already doing well might be overrepresented. The study didn’t actually test what kids ate or how healthy they became—just what was on the menu. The sample size was moderate, so results might not apply to all German schools

What the Results Show

Schools that had to follow strict healthy eating standards (OSFS) did much better at meeting the requirements than schools where it was optional (VSFS). The required-standard schools served more whole grains, vegetables, beans, salads, fruits, and fatty fish like salmon. They also used more organic food and sustainably caught fish.

The OSFS schools offered more vegetarian meals (meals without meat) and focused more on seasonal and local foods. They also did better at labeling what was in the food, including information about meat substitutes, additives, and allergens (things that can make people sick).

However, even the schools following strict rules weren’t perfect. Many didn’t provide nutrition information on their menus, and they didn’t always clearly describe what was in each meal. Some meals weren’t designed well for the age group eating them.

Schools with required standards served fewer potato dishes, fried foods, and processed meat products—all things that aren’t as healthy. The study found no difference in meal quality between wealthy schools and poor schools in either system, which is excellent news for fairness. This means that whether a school had rich or poor students, the meals were equally good (or equally not-so-good). The voluntary system schools were much less likely to follow the healthy eating guidelines, suggesting that making rules mandatory really does make a difference

This research supports what other studies have found: when schools are required to follow healthy eating standards, they do better. The finding that poor and rich schools get equal meals is particularly important because it shows that the system isn’t creating unfair advantages. However, the study also confirms what previous research suggested—that even with good rules in place, schools still struggle with full compliance

The biggest limitation is that schools volunteered to share their menus, so schools already doing well might be overrepresented. The study only looked at what was on the menu, not what kids actually ate or whether they became healthier. The research was done in Germany, so results might be different in other countries with different food cultures. The study didn’t look at whether kids actually liked the healthier meals or ate them. It also didn’t examine why some schools weren’t following all the rules, even when they had to

The Bottom Line

If you’re involved in school food decisions: Push for mandatory healthy eating standards rather than optional ones—this study shows they work much better (high confidence). Make sure menus include vegetables, whole grains, fish, and vegetarian options (high confidence). Provide clear nutrition information and allergen labeling on menus (moderate confidence). Even with standards in place, schools need support to fully comply with all requirements (moderate confidence)

School administrators and food service directors should use this to improve their menus. Parents can use these findings to advocate for better school lunches in their communities. Government officials deciding on food policies should see this as evidence that mandatory standards work better than optional ones. Teachers and school nurses who care about student health should pay attention. Students themselves benefit from healthier lunches. This is less relevant for families who pack lunches at home, though the fairness findings matter for all families

If a school switches to following strict healthy eating standards, you might notice menu changes within weeks to months. However, seeing health benefits in students (like better energy, concentration, or weight) could take several months to a year of consistent healthy eating

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly school lunch quality by rating meals on a simple scale (1-5 stars) and noting which healthy components were included: vegetables, whole grains, fish, vegetarian options, and organic items. This creates a pattern you can see over time
  • If your school’s lunches aren’t meeting these standards, use the app to document what’s missing and share findings with school administrators. Set a goal to advocate for one menu improvement per month (like adding a vegetarian option or more vegetables)
  • Check your school’s menus monthly and track compliance with these key standards: presence of vegetables, whole grains, fish, vegetarian options, and clear allergen labeling. Create a simple scorecard to see if your school is improving over time

This research analyzes school menus in Germany and may not apply to all countries or school systems. The study looked at what was served, not what students actually ate or their health outcomes. If you have concerns about your child’s nutrition or health, consult with a doctor or registered dietitian. School lunch policies vary by location, so check your local school’s specific requirements. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional nutritional or medical advice.