Sebastian Lege examines school lunches in new ZDF program
Sebastian Lege, known consumer expert and chef, tackles the contentious issue of school lunches in a new ZDF series. The program explores existing challenges and seeks practical solutions.
Consumer expert Sebastian Lege is delving into the challenges of school catering in a new four-part ZDF series, "besseresser goes Schule – Lege packt's an." The program premiered on September 24, 2025, and airs weekly on ZDF, with episodes available a week in advance on ZDFmediathek.
School meals in Germany often struggle to balance the differing expectations of parents (healthy), authorities (affordable), and children (tasty). Lege travels to various schools to assess the food served, test its taste and nutritional content, and propose practical, healthier alternatives. He aims to foster greater appreciation for food and improve nutritional awareness.
The initial episodes focus on Wilhelm-Lehmbruck Primary School in Dorsten, where many children leave their meals uneaten. Lege analyzes the dishes, investigates children's taste preferences, and collaborates with school staff. He also initiates a school garden project to enhance understanding of food origins.
In subsequent episodes, Lege addresses the situation at Katharina-Henoth Comprehensive School in Cologne, which lacks a canteen and relies on expensive kiosk sales. He also launches a petition for free school meals and seeks inspiration from other educational institutions.
Lege emphasizes the importance of nutrients, complex carbohydrates, and low sugar and salt content in school meals for children's growth and development. He criticizes processed products and highlights the value of natural ingredients, aiming to ensure children receive a healthy, balanced diet that supports their overall development.