Reader’s letter This is a debate entry, written by an external contributor. The post expresses the writer’s views.
Free hot school meals are a hotly debated topic. Many believe that offering a free hot lunch at school will have positive effects on both pupils’ health and their school performance. Personally, I think it is absurd that free school meals in the welfare state of Norway have not yet been introduced.
Offering free hot school meals gives us pupils access to more nutritious food, which can lead to increased concentration and better performance in class. When we eat a healthy and balanced lunch, we get the necessary nutrients we need to stay energized and focused throughout the school day. This leads to a more productive learning environment and contributes to better results at school.
When school meals cost money, it can mean that some of us cannot afford to buy lunch. It can create differences among students and contribute to a poorer school environment. Pupils who do not have the opportunity to buy food can feel excluded, which in turn can negatively affect their self-esteem and school performance. Free hot school meals ensure that all pupils have equal access to healthy food, regardless of economic background.
It should go without saying that a welfare state like Norway has free school meals. Countries like Sweden and Finland have already implemented free hot school meals, 75 years ago! They have seen positive results, both in terms of students’ health and their academic performance. In fact, only Norway and Albania have not introduced free school meals in Europe. Therefore, by following other countries, we can also achieve similar benefits and contribute to promoting a healthier and fairer everyday school life.
All in all, free hot school meals are not only a good idea, they are also an important step towards ensuring that all students have equal access to healthy food, and thus better opportunities to succeed at school. It is time we followed Sweden and Finland and introduced free hot school meals as an integral part of the school system.
Tags: Ifinnmark debate Politics society Free hot school meals matter Norway
