Project Food Education Platform
Project information
In short- Start project: 2025
- End project: 2028
- Financer: Topsector Agri and Food
- Project leader: Els van Coeverden
The Food Education Platform is a public-private partnership (PPP) that has brought together government, industry, academia, education and civil-society organisations since 2000 to deliver objective food education for children. The platform studies how innovations can make food education broader in reach and more effective, helping children make healthier and more sustainable food choices that last into adulthood.
Taste Lessons is a food education programme that targets elementary school children and provides fun, interactive information about nutrition, health and sustainability. Children engage with the teaching material by actively participating.
Our approach
By working together within the Food Education Platform, the objectivity of teaching materials and activities is safeguarded. Individual initiatives are connected to a broader educational programme, and the combination of classroom lessons with real-life practical experiences strengthens learning outcomes for children.
The platform is part of the national food-education network, which includes the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the Dutch national programme Jong Leren Eten (Young Learning to Eat), Municipal Health Services, Natuur- en Milieueducatie (Nature and Environmental Education), JOGG (Healthy Youth, Healthy Future), chefs, dietitians, the private sector and researchers.
The platform focuses on:
- developing, renewing and delivering teaching resources (in Dutch) such as Taste Lessons, Taste Missions, A View on Your Food and Taste Excursions
- studying the effectiveness (in Dutch) of food education
- incorporating education into excursions and hands-on activities
- communicating with different audiences
- connecting with parental involvement and school nutrition policies
- strengthening and sustaining cooperation between government, business and science
More information
Objective education is the guiding principle of the Food Education Platform. All teaching materials are developed by Wageningen Social & Economic Research and carefully assessed against strict quality standards. The same applies to all activities carried out within the platform. An independent Supervisory Board and Review Committee (in Dutch) monitor the policy, independence and content of the materials.
Key principles for all materials and activities:
- solid didactic structure with inclusive and appropriate methods
- alignment with national curriculum goals and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s learning pathway
- fully compliant with the Wheel of Five guidelines
- no product or brand promotion
- compliance with the Dietary Guidelines of the Dutch Health Council
- adherence to the Dutch Advertising Code
New materials are always assessed by the Review Committee and tested in practice through pilot projects in schools. Existing materials are evaluated at least every two years. The platform is also developing a Code of Conduct (in Dutch), in which all members commit to the agreed quality standards (in Dutch) and the objectivity of the platform.
The organisational structure of the Food Education Platform consists of a Supervisory Board, a Review Committee, the Support Centre for Taste Lessons and EU School fruit and vegetables programme, and the members of the platform.
Support Centre
The Support Centre for Taste Lessons and EU School fruit and vegetables programme and EU School dairy programme is primarily responsible for steering the project. It also develops all teaching materials and activities of the Platform. The Support Centre is part of Wageningen Social & Economic Research.
Supervisory Board and Review Committee
View the members of the Supervisory Board and Review Committee here(in Dutch).
Members
Members contribute financially to the Food Education Platform. They may also contribute in kind, for example by:
- providing non-branded materials for schools
- mobilising their networks for excursions, such as company or farm visits, or guest lessons
- offering valuable educational input from their sector or industry about product groups or food supply chains
Collaboration
The organisations participating in the Food Education Platform are Fresh Produce Centre, Lidl, Madaga/Spoony, MVO – The Netherlands Oils and Fats Industry, Nationaal Schoolontbijt/Nederlands Bakkerij Centrum, Dutch Potato Organisation, Dutch Fish Marketing Board, Nestlé, Norinchukin Bank Europe, Rabobank, RijkZwaan, Stichting Educatief Platteland, Unilever, Vewin, Vlees.nl, Vuurrood, Zuivelnl/NZO – Organisation of the Dutch dairy supply chain.
Why partner with WUR?
Partnering with WUR means making a responsible contribution to food education. The platform has a nationwide reach, is scientifically grounded and proven effective. Together we achieve more.
Added value
- Proven effective
- Reaches 80% of Dutch schools
- Quality and objectivity assured
- Valuable contribution to your CSR policy
- Broad network of public and private partners, academia and education
Questions about this project?
Do you have a question about Food Education Platform or are you interested in becoming a partner? Please get in touch.
ir. EFH (Els) Barones van Coeverden
Project leader Food education
See also (4)
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