Despite our long experience and the numerous strengths of Finland’s internationally quite unique school meals system, there are also needs for reform and further development. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry appointed a working group in October 2021 to prepare the Development Programme for School Meals, as stated in the current Government Programme.

The objective of the Programme is to increase the appreciation of school food and participation in school meals and develop practices related to school meals. Solutions have been sought to also include snacks in the system. In addition, the Programme aims to increase the domestic content, healthiness and eco-friendliness of school meals and develop equitable and communal meals.

This publication summarises the key elements of school meals that require further development. The Programme analyses the development needs related to school food and school meal practices and gives proposals for their development.

Developing school meals is important for the work to promote health and wellbeing and for activities that support the objectives of teaching and education. In international contexts, the development work promotes Finland’s position as an expert in school meals.