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? A recent report by Deloitte consulting last August 2025 reveals how this investment can not only generate €5 billion every year. It also helps improve health, school performance and social equality in the country it is implemented. Deloitte report presented the case study made in The Netherlands, in cooperation with Kokkerelli Kids University and Maastricht University.

How to create a healthier and successful future for children

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.

Up to 5 times money return

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. A sustainable investment of €1 billion would make

a programme of healthy school lunches feasible at national level for 1,4 million children.  The costs do not have to be borne solely by the government: a parental contribution of €1.75 per child per day for a healthy lunch is within the guidelines of the Nibud (Dutch National Institute for Family Finance Information) and is accepted by the majority of parents. A contribution of €2 per child per lunch during one year or 195 school lunches would cost €546 million to the government, according to Deloitte graph shown in Dutch in the illustration.

Health and social benefits

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.

For more information on Deloitte research, you can write here.