Benefits, drivers, and barriers of the school fruit and vegetables scheme in Slovakia

Objective: Childhood obesity affects health and well-being, leading to reduced fitness, increased blood pressure, and other health complications. Beyond its immediate effects, obesity during adolescence increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in adulthood. The consumption of fruit and vegetables may help prevent many diseases, including obesity. However, school-aged children often do not consume enough of these types of foods. This study examined the benefits, drivers, and barriers to the implementation of the School Fruit and Vegetables Scheme (SFVS) in Slovakia. The programme was one of a series of sub-programmes executed by the European Union financed School Fruit, Vegetables, and Milk Scheme (EU SFVMS). Design, setting, and methods: The EU SFVMS scheme was intended to have multiple benefits. To explore how school leaders perceived the programme, we carried out an analysis of relevant documentation and conducted semi-structured interviews with head teachers at nine schools in Slovakia that had participated in the scheme. Results: The results indicated that the scheme had received a positive reception by teachers and parents. In addition to improved access to healthy foods, the perceived benefits include greater awareness of local production and the occasional involvement of local suppliers. One of the most critical challenges the Slovak SFVS faced, however, was its long-term sustainability. Without continued financial support from the European Union, most participating schools reported that they could not maintain the programme using their own resources. This may mean the end of the scheme, as the willingness of the central government or sub-national governments in Slovakia to finance the scheme is minimal. Conclusion: For the Slovak SFVS programme to reach its full potential, it must be embedded within a well-funded integrated public health framework that fosters collaboration between schools, families and the wider community.