8. Visit to the canteen of the Geschwister-Scholl-School in Tübingen

At the Geschwister-Scholl-Schule in Tübingen (grammar school and community school), volunteer cookery parents have been preparing a wide variety of healthy lunches for pupils for around 40 years. Around 60 volunteer cookery parents - including grandparents and aunts/uncles - work on a 14-day cycle. They work together in teams of around four to six people. They are supported by three full-time employees. The canteen is financially supported by the Friends of the Geschwister-Scholl-Schule Tübingen e.V. association. This association finances the salaries of the kitchen team through donations and membership fees. During our visit, we were allowed to help out a lot and were actively involved in the cooking and preparation of the various dishes.

The canteen's menu includes up to two meat dishes a week and at least one vegetarian dish a day. During our observation, the first of three ‘VeggieDays’ was held as a test run. In addition to the main dishes, there are large and small prepared salads and several desserts, including fruit. During the second big break, a kiosk offers sandwiches. We were impressed by the very wide selection of dishes and desserts. Most of the produce comes from local suppliers and is seasonal.

The canteen serves between 200 and 500 pupils every day, depending on the number of pupils. The quantity of food is calculated based on both pre-orders and experience. Meals are pre-ordered and paid for online via the ‘Mensamax’ system. This means that the right quantity can be purchased and the low price for students can be maintained. Those who have not pre-ordered can still eat in the canteen, but must pay a surcharge for the meal. Any leftover food is either frozen or distributed to the cooking parents.

As a reward for their voluntary commitment, cook parents receive vouchers with which their children receive a discounted meal. Teachers can also get actively involved in the canteen by scanning the pupils' payment chips. They receive a free meal on this day.

Our visit gave us valuable insights into the good organisation and impressive commitment of the school community in providing healthy and varied meals. We were particularly impressed by the way in which the close cooperation between volunteers, teachers, permanent staff and the support of the Friends of the School Association enables the school to provide sustainable, high-quality school meals.