Barley Porridge and Crispbread – The Story of Finnish School Meals

The history of Finnish school meals goes back to the early 20th century and is linked to the birth of the welfare state. In the early days, simple meals were provided free of charge in schools only for students of limited means. 

The crisis period of the 1940s sparked concern for children’s welfare and led to the introduction of free meals for all schoolchildren by law.

Finnish school food has come a long way from its simple and modest beginnings to a modern, state-of-the-art food service that takes into account both health and social factors.

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18.9.2026-4.4.2027