Fostering healthy and sustainable nursery school food systems: the case study of Madrid City

Abstract

City-based initiatives to improve eating habits are being developed. Although there is sufficient evidence of their potential impact, the largest gap lies in the translation of this knowledge into urban food policies and interventions. In this article, we describe the experience of the city of Madrid city healthy and sustainable nursery school food systems. Madrid, the third largest European city, is characterized by large social inequalities. Childhood overweight and obesity affect over 40% of children, with those from low socioeconomic status showing a higher prevalence. In Madrid, the ‘Healthy and Sustainable Food Strategies’ include collaborations between city officials, NGOs, food producers, and academics. We highlight two important achievements within nursery schools (72 centers covering 8,500 children aged 0-3 years) fostering healthier and more sustainable food systems. First, the development and implementation of health and environmental standards in public food procurement practices. Second, the establishment of collaborative Food Steering Groups between the Madrid Council childhood education department and civil society. Madrid’s experience might be of interest to other cities.