Obesity is not a problem in itself: it is the cause of more than 1.2 million deaths per year in Europe. It is thus becoming one of the most serious health challenges we face. That is why effective prevention and building healthy eating habits from the earliest years are of key importance. The “Fruit, Vegetables and Milk in Schools” programme plays an important role here. As rapporteur on behalf of the EPP for the review of Regulation 1308/2013, I am convinced that continuing and strengthening this programme is essential. It should ensure children have access to healthy food, and teach them how to recognise its origin, appreciate the value of seasonal and local produce, and understand the work of farmers.
The experience of the regions also shows how important it is to fund preventive measures. Under the current financial framework, EU funds have made it possible to carry out programmes combating lifestyle diseases, including in the Opole region. It would be worth continuing this in the 2028 – 2034 period.
As a former physical education teacher, I would also like to stress that a healthy diet must go hand in hand with physical activity. Habits related to movement and sport, formed in childhood, often stay with us for life and benefit our health into adulthood. Only a comprehensive approach combining nutrition education, support for healthy food from European farmers, and the promotion of an active lifestyle will allow us to effectively tackle the growing problem of obesity.