The initiative "Valamar cares for fine snacks", which has become ubiquitous in schools in Istria, Rijeka, and surrounding areas, continues to meet the growing demand for healthy and balanced meals for school-age children. Through this project, already recognized in the local community, Valamar provides children in educational institutions with nutritionally rich snacks prepared exclusively from local ingredients. Although many believe that the health of the student population is already sufficiently ensured in school canteens, the project shows that it is necessary to invest even more effort into educating young people about healthy eating.

Expansion of the project and comprehensive approach to healthy eating

In December 2024, "Homemade Snack Week" was held in four primary schools in Istria, where students had the opportunity to enjoy snacks prepared from local and fresh ingredients. This project, designed to teach children the importance of healthy eating and the impact of local food on their health, gathered over 200 students. The schools involved in this educational initiative include Ivana Batelić Primary School in Raša, Ivana Gorana Kovačića Primary School in Čepić, Matije Vlačića Primary School in Labin, and the "Liče Faraguna" Center for upbringing and education in Labin.

Unlike regular school meals, which are often criticized for their simplicity and limited nutritional content, the snacks provided through this project were a real challenge for the students and their teachers. Everyone enjoyed the dishes prepared according to local recipes, and at the end of each day, the children learned not only about what they ate, but also why it is important to choose quality and healthy ingredients.

Health and creativity in the kitchen: Students create

The initiative launched in schools highlights not only the importance of healthy eating but also creativity. Schools, through a competition, developed their own recipes using local and seasonal products, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding not only of health but also of the values that local food carries. For example, students from Ivana Batelić Primary School in Raša created a recipe for sweet cottage cheese, while the young chefs from Ivana Gorana Kovačića Primary School in Čepić prepared wholemeal pljukanci with veal sauce, cherry tomatoes, and fresh cottage cheese. All recipes are based on native ingredients with a long history in Istrian cuisine.

At the "Liče Faraguna" Center for upbringing and education in Labin, special attention was given to children with special needs, who enjoyed a nutritionally rich tuna spread on toasted bread with fresh fruit and vegetable juice. This recipe was specifically adapted to meet the needs of children with special requirements, showing how the project encourages inclusion and contributes to equality among all students. Furthermore, Matije Vlačića Primary School in Labin created "smokovacinke", pancakes with cottage cheese and figs, inspired by local customs and dialect.

A project that promotes health and unity

"Homemade Snack Week" provided children with the opportunity not only to enjoy tasty and healthy meals but also to gain additional knowledge about the importance of healthy eating habits. The balance between education, practical kitchen experience, and joint cooking was the key component that made the project not only useful but also fun for children of all ages. Teachers, with the help of this initiative, successfully incorporated topics about healthy eating into their lessons, linking theoretical knowledge with real-life experiences in the kitchen.

Greis Franković, principal of Ivana Batelić Primary School, said: "Homemade Snack Week was extremely inspiring for our students. They didn’t just enjoy healthy meals, they learned a lot about how to prepare food properly, which is crucial for their future. The children showed great creativity and enthusiasm, and the project has become a symbol of unity and collective effort." The connection of children with local traditions, but also with the modern needs for health, became the foundation for the further development of this project.

Valamar in service of the local community

Valamar, as a long-term partner of local communities, has invested in initiatives in recent years that not only promote health but also preserve local heritage. Providing quality snacks for children in schools is just one of the many steps Valamar is taking to promote sustainable and healthy habits among young people. In addition to helping children develop a healthier relationship with food, this initiative also contributes to the development of the community, as the kitchen uses only local ingredients. Through this project, Valamar simultaneously supports local farmers and family farms.

"Homemade Snack Week" started in primary schools in Istria and expanded to Rijeka and surrounding areas. The project will continue to grow, and Valamar plans to include even more schools in the coming years. In the 2024/2025 school year, Valamar will reach over 5,200 students in various parts of Croatia, with plans to expand to new areas. This will allow even more students to participate in this useful and inspiring project, which has established itself as one of the most important initiatives for promoting healthy living habits.

School meals shaping a healthy future

In today's world, where excessive consumption of fast food is increasingly linked to the development of numerous health problems, such projects gain in significance. Children who develop healthy eating habits from an early age have better chances for a healthier life in the future. As such, these projects have long-term effects on the education and health of children, as they are not just temporary or superficial, but deeply rooted in educational and social activities. By raising awareness of the importance of healthy eating habits, Valamar and similar organizations play a key role in shaping a better society for future generations.

In addition to participating in creating healthy snacks, children also gain basic skills that will help them become responsible consumers and future leaders in healthy eating. Given that global trends in healthy living are increasingly being recognized and implemented at all levels of education, this project provides an excellent example of how a local community can take a step toward a healthier future.

This approach combines education, health, and unity, continuing the direction of developing shared responsibility for the health of young people and the entire community. The school system still needs to adjust its meals, and such projects undoubtedly bring tremendous value to the efforts to make health accessible to everyone.