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Schools can register for the School Meals Programme and choose from two programme options: ‘Eating at School’ and ‘Grocery Cards’. More information can be found via the buttons below.
The School Meals Programme
Every child deserves to develop as well as possible, regardless of where they grow up or their parents’ or caregivers’ income.
The School Meals Programme aims to ensure that as many pupils as possible attend lessons with a full stomach. A full stomach is a prerequisite for effective learning.
In 2022, we noticed that more and more pupils were coming to class hungry. Thanks to the School Meals Programme, this no longer had to happen. The programme targets primary and secondary schools where at least 30% of the pupils come from low-income households.
The Youth Education Fund (JEF) and the Netherlands Red Cross organise this programme on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW).
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Schools – Eating at school
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Schools – Grocery cards
What participating schools are saying
Curious about what other schools are saying about the programme? Watch the videos.
22 May 2025
Recap online meeting Nutrition Centre: ‘What food and drinks do you give to your child for school?’
On Wednesday 21st of May, the online meeting of the Nutrition Centre took place. During this meeting, Marthe, Sandra and Louise explained more about questions such as: ‘What food and drink will make your child learn and grow well? And how do you keep it easy and affordable for yourself?
13 February 2025
How shame creates a barrier for people in food poverty
Nora (41), a single mother of three children (aged 2, 6, and 11), faces the challenges of financial uncertainty. Despite her income, she has to be creative with her limited budget for her children. Nora says, ‘The last 4-5 days of the month are tight. At that point, I check how much money is left and what I still need. I have to shop very consciously. Despite financial difficulties, Nora remains positive and finds creative solutions to make ends meet. For example, she makes a weekly menu and actively looks for special offers. “Nine times out of ten, the kids still find the crisis meals the tastiest,” Nora says with a laugh.
20 January 2025
“With a bit of effort, you can really make a difference.”
The Prins Willem Alexander School in The Hague has creatively utilised the school meals budget. Two initiatives stand out: the JEF cupboard, a giveaway cupboard for families, and the ‘Full Tummies’ project, where children take home a box full of groceries five times a year. Deputy Director Maxime van Boheemen and liaison officer Marloes Gaillard are passionately committed to projects that help families. Whenever possible, students are also involved.
19 December 2024
Working Together: Festively Filled Christmas Box
At De Springplank in Zutphen, a primary school for special education in a beautiful new building, the extra December budget is given a creative twist. Mattias van Os, sports teacher and school meals coordinator, explains how they are giving out Christmas packages to students for the second year in a row at the start of the holiday.
12 December 2024
Packing Christmas Packets Together with the School Meals Budget
Packing Christmas Packets Together with the School Meals Budget. Schools that offer meals receive an extra high budget in December. This allows for extras, such as a Christmas dinner or Christmas packets. At VSO de Monoliet in Leeuwarden, they chose the latter. Coordinator Klaas Nieuwhof enthusiastically explains: “We wanted to do something that not only benefits all students but also actively involves them.” The idea arose during a brainstorming session with the working group that Klaas and his colleagues, who organise the school meals, are part of. “We discussed how we could link this December activity to an internal internship,” Klaas explains. De Monoliet has a warehouse where a safe working environment can be simulated. “This provides our students with an educational place to develop practical skills with the aim of eventually being able to independently undertake external internships.”
