The Freiburg decision for a standard vegetarian menu at day care centers and primary schools is viewed critically in the Stuttgart Ministry of Agriculture.

Meat is also part of a balanced diet, the ministry said on request in Stuttgart. The ministry therefore does not support an exclusively vegetarian diet as a requirement.

Vegetarian food for kids

The Freiburg municipal council had decided on Tuesday evening that children in city day-care centers and elementary schools would only be able to eat vegetarian food from the coming school year. In addition, the prices for school meals will be gradually increased from the 2023/24 school year.

The proposal had received some heavy criticism, including from parents' councils. It was approved with 27 votes in favour, 14 against. The city primarily argued for reasons of cost. The assessment of the ministry - it is also responsible for nutrition - was submitted before the decision was made by the Freiburg city parliament.

"Children should have the opportunity during their development to develop their own tastes and to try them out. This also includes the consumption of meat," said the ministry. Reduced quantities are quite appropriate. The ministry is not aware of any other city or municipality in the country that offers completely meat-free food in daycare centers and schools.

So far there have been two types of food in Freiburg, with meat and fish also being served. In the longer term, it is possible to apply the regulation with the standard menu to secondary schools. The proportion of organic products in school and daycare catering is to rise to 30 percent - so far it has been 20 percent.