Fish is considered a healthy and balanced diet due to its high nutritional value. However, fish consumption in the Czech Republic remains low (~ 6-8 kg/person/year) and is very low, especially among children, especially in school meals. School canteens in the Czech Republic are governed by the 30-year-old Decree on School Catering (107/2005), which determines what ingredients canteens should use within the so-called consumer basket. To improve the situation, the Ministry of Health has proposed changes to improve school meals by increasing the proportion of fish meals. Ingredients for preparing meals are paid for by boarders (usually parents), while the maximum price for lunch is 1,5 USD. However, to meet CB requirements, many school canteens rely on low-quality processed fish products, which often do not provide the nutritional benefits that this policy is supposed to promote. That is why students of the Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters of the University of South Bohemia have launched a unique project called "Fish for Schools".

The main goal of this initiative is to introduce children to fish dishes as part of a healthy and balanced diet, while increasing their popularity among the younger generation. The first phase of the project focuses on the analysis of the current quality and popularity of fish dishes in selected kindergartens and primary schools. The data obtained will help identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current offer and will serve as a basis for designing better, more nutritious and more attractive recipes for children.

A key part of the project is the practical presentation of delicious fish dishes prepared from quality ingredients. Children will actively participate in the project, interactively evaluate individual dishes and provide valuable feedback. An equally important part of the project is raising awareness about the importance of fish in nutrition. Information and practical activities will be aimed not only at children, but also at school canteen employees. We are preparing professional workshops that will provide training in the preparation of tasty, attractive and economical fish dishes. We believe that this project will contribute not only to improving the quality of school meals, but above all to creating healthier eating habits in children.

Source: www.frov.jcu.cz

Zpracoval kolektiv pracovníků zahraniční kanceláře CzechTrade Indonesia.