Volksinitiative for a free school lunch launched - Brandenburg campaign fights for free school lunches to ease child poverty
A new citizens' initiative in Brandenburg is pushing for free school lunches for all pupils in grades 1 through 6. The campaign argues that providing nutritious meals would help combat child poverty and improve social cohesion in schools. Organisers now have a year to gather the necessary support to move the proposal forward.
The alliance behind the initiative must collect at least 20,000 valid signatures for the state parliament to consider the plan. If successful, Brandenburg would become the first German state to introduce free school meals for younger children. A similar effort in 2024 failed due to procedural errors, but supporters are determined to try again.
Currently, parents with two children spend between €170 and €200 per month on school lunches, as each meal costs around €4 to €5. The initiative aims to remove this financial burden while ensuring all pupils receive a balanced diet. No other German state has yet implemented a free school meals programme for specific age groups, despite ongoing discussions and studies. Supporters highlight the broader benefits, including better concentration in class and stronger community bonds during mealtimes. The proposal focuses on primary school children, where the need for reliable nutrition is seen as most critical.
The success of the initiative depends on gathering enough signatures within the next 12 months. If approved, the policy would mark a significant shift in how Brandenburg addresses child poverty and school nutrition. For now, parents continue to cover meal costs while waiting for a potential change.
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