Finland introduced its comprehensive school system in the 1970s to strengthen equality and give every child an equal opportunity to learn, regardless of their background, where they lived, or their family’s financial situation. The previous school system did not provide equal opportunities for all children Finland therefore moved to the comprehensive school system in stages between 1972 and 1977. The change took place in 1972 in the area that is now the city of Pargas and in 1976 in Turku.

A free hot meal had been part of compulsory school education system since 1948. With the comprehensive school reform, free school meals became a standard part of everyday school life for all comprehensive school pupils. School meals are therefore an important part of the story of equality, well-being, and community in Finnish schools.

This week, we are celebrating 50 years of comprehensive school in Finland. During the week, we will look at school food from different viewpoints. We will explore how school meals have evolved, how menus have changed, and how sustainability and responsibility have become increasingly important in school meals.

Sustainability is becoming more important

Sustainability has become an increasingly important aspect of school meals over the past decades.In the past, it mainly meant providing everyone with a hot and nutritious meal during the school day. This was an important act of equality, and it still is. Today, sustainability also includes nutrition, climate impacts, food waste reduction, ingredient choices, and food education.

The school cafeteria is Finland’s most popular restaurant. School meals reach hundreds of thousands of children and young people in Finland every day, making their impact highly significant. Menus can include more plant-based food, use seasonal and responsibly sourced ingredients, and reduce food waste. These choices affect both the environment and future eating habits. At the same time, school meals demonstrate that sustainable choices can be a natural part of everyday life.

Today, sustainability can also be seen in the way school meals are developed together Pupil participation, feedback collection and food education now play a greater role than ever before. School meals are not only a service, but also a learning environment where pupils learn skills related to food, well-being, and a sustainable way of life.

In the future, the climate impact of school food and its role in everyday food choices will become even more important. School meals can lead the way in building a sustainable food culture in Finland for the coming decades. In Kaarea’s Food Services, sustainability is supported through practical action. Menus are planned carefully, consumption is monitored, and food waste management practices are continuously developed. This helps ensure that the right amount of food is prepared and that as little food as possible is left over.