Wageningen University & Research (WUR) collaborates with 17 companies in the Food Education Platform (VEP) to raise children's awareness of healthy and sustainable food choices. Through the Smaaklessen programme, the VEP now reaches 80 per cent of primary schools. Thanks to new funding under the Top Sectors policy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN), the platform will continue to develop up-to-date food education for the next four years.
The Food Education Platform (VEP) is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in which WUR works with businesses, government bodies, educational institutions, and civil society organisations to provide objective food education for children. The programme focuses on eating, tasting, feeling, smelling, and looking. Children learn where their food comes from and experience what healthy and tasty eating is. WUR translates scientific knowledge into practice, contributing to healthy and sustainable food choices now and in the future.
Equipping children with food skills
WUR started food education in 2006 with a pilot of Smaaklessen ('Taste lessons') in a number of primary schools. In 2013, this pilot was further developed into a PPP called the Food Education Platform (VEP). This is an implementation programme involving Dutch businesses and the government, aimed at equipping young people with essential food skills.
The platform is coordinated by the Smaaklessen & EU School Fruit team, part of Wageningen Social & Economic Research. Team leader Fieke Franken explains: "Over the next four years, we aim to enhance the programme's effectiveness through research. School and teachers are already very enthusiastic about the programme, but we see even more opportunities to inspire more teachers within schools to engage with Smaaklessen and strengthen the implementation. Additionally, we are broadening our scope beyond primary schools. We want to collaborate with organisations providing food education for children aged 0-4 and young people aged 12-24, from nurseries to vocational education colleges."
Objective education in collaboration with businesses
Within the partnership, WUR develops all teaching materials. An independent Supervisory Board and Review Committee oversee the policy, independence, and content of the Food Education Platform's materials. All members adhere to this code of conduct, agreeing to the quality standards, uniform and non-branded communication about food education activities, and objectivity. The teaching materials are based solely on the Dutch 'Schijf van Vijf' (Wheel of Five) and do not contain any product or brand promotion.
Businesses contribute to the collaboration not only through financial support but also by providing non-branded materials for schools, innovative ideas, and their networks. Franken notes: "For instance, thanks to various companies, we have been able to involve chefs in the 'Chef in the Classroom' project. Additionally, one company now supplies non-branded seeds for a school gardening project. Together, we can reach even more children."
Increased knowledge and positive intentions among children
Scientific research shows that children who complete the Smaaklessen programme gain more knowledge about healthy and sustainable eating. They feel encouraged to try unfamiliar foods and are more inclined to adopt healthier eating habits. Franken concludes: "It is crucial for us to make a real difference. Given the limited time teachers have, it is essential that Smaaklessen is effective and not just a fun activity. We want to create real impact."
