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️ School Meals (Schulverpflegung) in Germany: Health Standards and Costs
Introduction
Schools in Germany—especially all-day schools (Ganztagsschulen)—provide daily meals for children, known as Schulverpflegung.
These meals are an important part of the school routine: they improve concentration, support health, and reinforce healthy eating habits.
What health standards apply to school meals?
School meals in Germany follow recommendations by the German Nutrition Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung – DGE), which define:
| Standard | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Dietary variety | Daily vegetables and fruit, and balanced protein and carbohydrates |
| Whole grains | Use whole-grain bread and pasta instead of refined products whenever possible |
| Less fat and salt | Healthy cooking methods and reduced processed/fried foods |
| Limit sugar | No sweetened drinks or sweets as part of the main meal |
| Balanced dairy | e.g., milk or yogurt with reduced added sugar |
| Drinking water available | Encourage children to drink water instead of juice and soft drinks |
Some states encourage schools to obtain the “DGE-Qualitätsstandard” for meal quality.
How much do school meals cost?
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Costs vary depending on the school and municipality.
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They are often between €3 and €5 per day.
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Payment is usually monthly (via a prepaid subscription).
Can families get financial support for school meals?
Yes. Through Bildung und Teilhabe (BuT), low-income families can apply for:
️ a completely free school lunch (kostenloses Mittagessen)
Who is eligible?
Families receiving:
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Bürgergeld (ALG II) or Sozialhilfe
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Wohngeld or Kinderzuschlag
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Benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz)
To apply: Ask the Jobcenter, Jugendamt, or the school directly.
How is food provision organized in schools?
| Model | Explanation |
|---|---|
| In-house kitchen | Some schools have their own kitchen with cooks |
| External providers (caterers) | Most schools rely on specialized catering companies |
| Serving in a dining hall | Children usually eat in the school cafeteria (Mensa) |
A parents’ committee or the school administration may participate in taste testing and quality checks.
Parents’ role
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Encourage the child to try different foods
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Inform the school about allergies or dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten intolerance or halal meat)
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Evaluate food quality and communicate with the school when necessary
Conclusion
Schulverpflegung is not just a meal—it is part of health education in Germany.
By applying standards and offering financial support, the state aims to provide healthy, balanced food that is accessible to everyone.
ـ* The team of writers and editors on the website strives to provide accurate information through intensive research and reviewing multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some information may be unconfirmed. Therefore, the information in the articles should be considered preliminary guidance, and you should always refer to the competent authorities to obtain confirmed information.
