The Traditional Slovenian Breakfast project has been held in nurseries and schools every third Friday in November since 2011. This year the emphasis is on milk and dairy products, as shown by the slogan “Breakfast with milk – a great day”.
The Traditional Slovenian Breakfast project continues to grow in 2024, marking its 13th year of promoting healthy eating habits and supporting local food production. This event, held every third Friday of November, remains a cornerstone of nutrition education in Slovenia’s nurseries, primary schools, and institutions for children with special needs. The project not only highlights the importance of having breakfast but also focuses on raising awareness of the value of locally produced food and sustainable agriculture.
In 2024, the event will take place on Friday, 15 November, and will once again serve a traditional Slovenian breakfast to around 86,000 children in nurseries and 200,000 primary school pupils. This year, the theme continues with an emphasis on milk and dairy products, as reflected in the slogan “Breakfast with milk – a great day.” The breakfast consists of simple yet nutritious local ingredients such as milk, honey, butter, bread, and apples, or other fresh and dried fruit, all sourced from Slovenian producers. The emphasis on these foods not only promotes balanced nutrition but also fosters a sense of national pride in Slovenia’s agricultural heritage.
The Role of Agriculture in Education
To underscore the importance of locally produced food, Irena Šinko, the Slovenian Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Food, will visit a school in the Gorenjska region. The Minister will engage with pupils in discussions about the role of agriculture, food production, and the respect for food. As she highlighted in her previous speeches, “Slovenian food is healthy and of high quality, especially when produced locally,” and by choosing such food, people contribute to the support of Slovenian farmers and rural communities. This visit reinforces the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable food systems and short supply chains, which are becoming more critical in the face of global environmental challenges.
Educational and Cultural Significance
The Traditional Slovenian Breakfast project is more than just a meal; it is an educational initiative that emphasizes the importance of nutrition and food sovereignty. Since its inception in 2011, the project has served over 3 million Slovenian breakfasts, making it a key component of Slovenia’s efforts to teach children about the benefits of eating locally sourced, fresh food. Schools and nurseries use the breakfast as an opportunity to discuss agriculture, nutrition, and the environmental impact of food production, instilling values that can last a lifetime.
The Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning has also endorsed the project as a means to promote sustainability and short supply chains, which help reduce food waste and carbon emissions. By consuming food produced locally, the Slovenian population reduces the need for long-distance transportation, thereby lowering the overall carbon footprint. At the same time, the Ministry of Culture views the initiative as a way to preserve Slovenia’s agricultural heritage, as it brings traditional foods and farming practices into the everyday lives of children.
Health and Nutrition Insights
The National Institute of Public Health has emphasized the importance of the Traditional Slovenian Breakfast in promoting healthy eating habits among children. Research shows that breakfast is a crucial meal, particularly for school-aged children, as it improves concentration, energy levels, and overall cognitive performance. Unfortunately, many older children and teenagers skip breakfast, leading to decreased academic performance and poor dietary choices later in the day.
Studies conducted by the National Institute show that about 50% of children aged 12 regularly eat breakfast, but this number declines as they grow older. By the time they reach secondary school, less than 30% of students have breakfast regularly, though there is a slight increase in the frequency of breakfast consumption as they move into adulthood. This pattern underscores the need for projects like the Traditional Slovenian Breakfast to continue raising awareness about the importance of a nutritious start to the day.
To address these concerns, the Institute has called for more initiatives aimed at older students, with a focus on the long-term benefits of maintaining healthy eating habits. The Traditional Slovenian Breakfast serves as a platform for schools and communities to educate students not only about the importance of breakfast but also about where their food comes from, encouraging a deeper understanding of the food system.
Looking Forward: Expanding Impact
As the Traditional Slovenian Breakfast project continues into 2024, its impact goes beyond a single meal. It serves as a national symbol of Slovenia’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, healthy living, and cultural heritage. By promoting local food systems and encouraging healthy eating habits, this initiative plays a critical role in shaping the next generation of Slovenians to be conscious consumers and responsible citizens.
This year, organizers hope to build on the success of previous years by expanding the project’s reach to more schools and institutions. They also plan to introduce new educational materials that explore the environmental and economic benefits of supporting local farmers, aiming to deepen children’s understanding of sustainability and food security. Additionally, there are discussions about incorporating more interactive workshops and farm visits to give children firsthand experiences with the agricultural process, further connecting them to the land and the food they eat.
