Municipalities tighten special diet requirements in Sweden’s school meal programs

SVT Nyheter conducted a survey across Sweden’s 290 municipalities regarding school meals and the adjustments made for students’ dietary needs. Out of the municipalities, 158 responded, resulting in a response rate of 54%. One of the questions asked was whether the municipality had tightened requirements for students to receive special diets in the past three years. Sixty-one percent answered yes, while thirty-nine percent responded no.

An example of this trend is apparent in Sollentuna. Restaurant manager Anna Franzén noted that routine changes implemented in spring 2024 were prompted by a significant increase in dietary adjustments. This change has led to a reduction of over fifty percent in the number of students needing personalized meals. Previously, 419 students required special diets, while that number has now dropped to 155 who are on individualized meal plans instead of the main menu.

Richard Tellström, a food historian and associate professor in meal studies, commented that the provision of numerous dietary options in school lunches may be a historical anomaly only lasting 20 to 25 years. While medical special diets for those with food allergies will remain, political and ethical special diets are likely to phase out gradually.

According to the latest guidelines from the Swedish National Food Agency regarding school meals from 2022, there is no obligation for municipalities to accommodate requests related to political, ethical, or philosophical beliefs that are not connected to religion or other faiths. Special diets are designated for individuals with allergies, celiac disease, other medical sensitivities, or health conditions, while adjusted meals cater to functional impairments or religious beliefs. Requests tied to political or ethical views are not covered by discrimination legislation, leaving it to municipalities to decide on resource allocation for such requests.