On 4 February 2025, World Cancer Day, the Green REV Institute participated in a meeting of the Parents for Climate Parliamentary Group. The discussion focused on the role of healthy eating in cancer prevention and the systemic issues related to children’s access to wholesome meals in schools.

According to the National Cancer Registry, in 2022, as many as 79 out of every 1,000 people in Poland were diagnosed with cancer and the number of deaths from malignant tumours was 96,062. Cancer remains the most common cause of death before the age of 65 in women, accounting for 27% of deaths among young women and 42% in the 45-64 age group.

One of the key risk factors is diet. Expert and nutritionist Katarzyna Blazejewska-Stuhrz pointed out that obesity and overweight are responsible for 38% of cancers, and obesity is the second most common cause of cancer in Poland, after smoking. Meanwhile, fruit and vegetable consumption can reduce the risk of upper gastrointestinal cancers.

Time for systemic change

The Plant School programme aims to remove barriers to healthy, balanced plant-based meals for every child in Poland. It is an initiative that combines nutrition education, community collaboration and the promotion of sustainable food practices. The programme is supported by more than 100 NGOs, the scientific community and more than 50 councillors from across Poland.

Access to healthy food in schools is not a privilege, but a necessity. We expect health education and proper eating habits to become a priority in public policy.