Dutch schools are not obliged to offer lunch. It must now become part of plans to reduce opportunities inequality in schools. The money for the free lunch must be found within the budget of the ministry, both parties believe.
“There are children in the Netherlands who will be brought to school tomorrow without food,” says D66 party leader Jan Paternotte. “With an empty stomach in class, that is not allowed. Nothing should stand in the way of the development of children.”