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Healthy eating: better for the Netherlands

Why a national school lunch programme is indispensable

Can we radically change the future of the Netherlands with an annual investment of €1 billion in healthy school lunches? This report reveals how this investment can not only generate €5 billion every year, but also improve health, school performance and social equality in our country. Discover how we can create a healthier and more successful future for the Netherlands by investing in our children's nutrition.

 

In collaboration with Kokkerelli Kids University for Food & Health and Maastricht University, Deloitte has conducted research into the impact of healthy school lunches. A national programme of school lunches is necessary to promote healthy eating habits in children. Offering nutritious meals at a young age breaks negative patterns and lays a solid foundation for cognitive and physical development. Not only does the programme save billions, it also promotes social cohesion, equality, better concentration and less stress. Investing in a national programme of school lunches lays the foundation for a healthier and more successful future for the Netherlands. Download the report to learn more.

An investment of €1 billion can yield significant economic benefits, including €700 million in savings on healthcare costs, nearly €2 billion in reduced absenteeism and decreased productivity, and over €100 million in individual cost savings. Each euro invested can be recouped up to five times.

The Netherlands is struggling with rising overweight and obesity rates, especially among low-income families. Healthy school lunches promote healthy eating habits and can help reverse this trend. In addition, nutritious meals improve school performance, allowing children to concentrate and perform better. Healthy school lunches also ensure equal access to nutrition regardless of home situation, which promotes food security and reduces stress levels. This contributes to a more equal society and supports children's cognitive development.

In addition to measurable savings, there are also non-quantifiable benefits such as breaking negative eating patterns, increased social cohesion and a healthier future working population.

Would you like to know more about this report? Please feel free to contact us. 


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