The relevance of the school environment in shaping public health
In Catalonia, the school canteen has become a strategic pillar of public health, vital for addressing the fact that four in ten children suffer from being overweight or obese.
Its role goes beyond daily calorie intake, serving as an educational space where students develop habits that protect them from non-communicable diseases in adulthood.
To achieve this, professional management is imperative, with technical teams of dietitians and nutritionists ensuring that the food offer aligns with the latest scientific evidence, supporting both physical growth and cognitive performance.
THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OF THE SCHOOL MENU REVIEW PROGRAMME IN CATALONIA
The quality of this service is regulated by the Programme PReME (Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya), a universal model of excellence that periodically audits menus in both state and private schools. This programme promotes sustainability through the consumption of local, seasonal produce, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Furthermore, the implementation of Royal Decree 315/2025 strengthens this legal framework, requiring professional technical supervision, banning the sale of high-sugar or caffeinated products within the school environment, and establishing free water as the only drink permitted at the table.
THE SCHOOL GASTRONOMY PARADIGM AS A POINT OF DIFFERENCE
Under the School Gastronomy philosophy, the canteen is reimagined as an educational gourmet space, moving decisively away from the concept of industrial food.
This approach prioritises the traceability and quality of raw materials, often through strategic alliances with local producers such as Ametller Origen, and integrates elegant presentations with a staff team that acts as a pedagogical guide for students.
ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF A BALANCED SCHOOL MEAL
A balanced menu is based on four essential components that should alternate daily to ensure complete nutrition:
- Vegetables and greens: These should be the predominant base, ideally occupying half of the total daily menu volume.
- Whole-grain starchy foods: Pasta, rice, or pulses which, in their wholemeal versions, provide slow-release energy and fibre.
- High-quality protein: Sourced from varied origins to ensure structural development.
- Fresh fruit: The ultimate dessert, fundamental for its vitamin content and natural satiety.
This holistic approach ensures that mealtimes are a tool for health and an added value for the school’s educational project.
Transform your school’s canteen into a space for health, learning, and culinary excellence with Saned.
Our distinctive School Gastronomy approach offers a high-quality gourmet alternative that not only complies with current regulations but also educates students’ palates and fosters lifelong healthy habits.
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