Implementation of CAP programs aimed at increasing the consumption of fruit, vegetable and milk products in Polish schools

The Common Agriculture Policy’s Fruit Scheme and School Milk Program are EU-wide institutional attempts to encourage consumption of selected food products among children by increasing their availability in schools. The number of pupils participating in both schemes in Poland has reached more than 67% and 38% of the appropriate target groups. Pilot studies, carried out in 2010 and 2011, indicate what products are most preferred by Polish schoolchildren from among those made available to them through the schemes. Circa 86% of the surveyed children living in cities would like to obtain more milk products in schools, especially yogurts. In order to make both CAP schemes more nutrition-oriented the education component should be strengthened since the availability and the price are important, but not exclusive determinants of food choice.