SPÖ-Holzleitner: “Healthy food for children must finally become a matter of course”

“On election Sunday this September, the course will not only be set for the political future of the country, but also for the health of our children,” assesses the deputy. Club chairwoman of the SPÖ, Eva-Maria Holzleitner, presented the data on the parties’ views on the subject of school meals presented in a press conference today. “Only the SPÖ clearly stands for healthy, warm and free lunches at all kindergartens and compulsory schools. And this despite the fact that the connection between nutrition and health is now well known.” Holzleitner is particularly critical of the ÖVP, which failed to provide any answers, and the FPÖ, some of which clearly speak out against the issue or do not give it priority. ****

A high-quality lunch for children is not only relevant for health reasons, but also in terms of performance and social justice. Holzleitner: “It’s difficult to learn with a growling stomach. This particularly affects children from families where a balanced diet is difficult to implement for financial reasons. But these children should also be able to concentrate fully on learning. At least one healthy and balanced meal per day for all children must finally become a matter of course. Austria can afford to guarantee its children a healthy diet.” Regardless of whether it is a federal capital or a small town – the SPÖ shows how it works and implements improvements directly: Since the last school year, lunch has been free at all all-day compulsory schools in Vienna. The “Volxküche” project in Traiskirchen, which was implemented under Mayor Andreas Babler, could also serve as a nationwide model. (final) ts/