In April last year, the FCPE, the largest federation of parents of students, called for a law on the nutritional balance of the meals served in school canteens. Three months later, the federation’s request was addressed by the government. On July 1st, a “modernization of agriculture” law was passed. It recommends eating five fruits and vegetables per day. Over twenty days, the menus must include at least ten raw vegetables and a maximum of four fried foods. The law also advises favoring “real cheese,” with calcium, over spreadable cheese products. There should be more emphasis on products from organic or sustainable agriculture. Currently, in all the school canteens in Nice, children can benefit from quality products. “All kindergartens and primary school canteens are managed by Sodexo,” explains Evelyne Ragot, an administrator at the FCPE in the department and representative of FCPE parents on the menu commission of the Nice city hall. “It is a single meal for all schools in Nice.” Catherine Becker, a dietitian-nutritionist on the website www.cyberdietetique.com, explains the benefits of organic food: “Organic products are much less refined than industrial products that are typically served in school canteens. They are less sugary, less fatty, and richer in fiber. This helps limit obesity.” She welcomes the law on nutritional balance: “It’s positive. It’s a step forward.” The children are also delighted: “80% of them are happy with what they currently eat in the canteen,” explains Evelyne Ragot.
The implementing decree for the nutritional balance law is expected by the end of the year.
