Press releases

• Weekly fruit and vegetable boxes provide much more than just a healthy snack during breaks.
• Gemeinschaftshauptschule (GHS) Aretzstraße is already involved in a number of sustainability projects.
• Apply now: The next round of the "ACtive for future" funding program will start soon.

The answer is clear: "Bananas," says 12-year-old Mohammad, when asked about his favorite fruit or vegetable from the fruit and vegetable boxes that are provided every week at Aretzstraße GHS and ensure a "healthy break-time breakfast" in four classes. Most of his classmates from the international support class nod. But class teacher Petra Bauer assures them that the cucumbers, nuts, carrots and so on are also eaten with pleasure. "Once a week, a fruit and vegetable box arrives for each of the four classes currently involved in the project at the school. The contents are then washed, cut and divided." But only as much as the children can eat as a healthy snack in one day and spread out over the week so that nothing is left over on Friday lunchtime. "That's also sustainability, not throwing anything away," says Bauer. And the other Mohammad in the class, aged 11, looks up briefly from chopping vegetables: "I think it's really good. And it's fun to prepare." 14-year-old Amaal knows: "It's also healthy for the body."


Personal responsibility, knowledge and German skills
The fruit and vegetables are not just for eating: the project teaches pupils about healthy eating and sustainable action by managing the fruit and vegetable boxes. The food comes from local cooperation partners and is collected, distributed and prepared by the classes. In the class council, the pupils independently take on tasks such as washing, cutting and rinsing, while the lessons provide space for reflection on nutrition and sustainability. This extends creatively into the pupils' families: During Ramadan, fabric bags were sewn. The fruit and vegetables were then divided into these and ended up on the children's and young people's dinner table.

The boxes are financed by "ACtive for Future", a school program of the city of Aachen that has been supporting schools since 2022 in anchoring sustainability in everyday school life in the long term and thus making an important contribution to a healthy and fair future. The "Healthy breakfasts" project has been supported by "ACtive for Future" since November 2024. But it doesn't just have to be fruit and vegetables. Sustainable hoodies, green classrooms, i.e. outdoor teaching opportunities, or fruit boxes: the project options are as diverse as the sustainability goals. "We want to support the ideas that emerge and get them into action," says Johanna Jung from the "ACtive for Future" team in the City of Aachen's Climate and Environment Department. After all, in addition to human resources, money also plays a role.

More than just breakfast
Through active participation, the "Healthy Break Breakfast" project promotes personal responsibility, social skills and awareness of healthy eating. It also strengthens the classroom climate, improves the German language skills of international pupils and offers practical insights into regional agriculture. The boxes also complement healthy food options in the school canteen: teacher Lothar Grodde, who is also responsible for the youth welfare fund at the school, says: "We also offer homemade muesli - sold for 50 cents. You can't make it that cheaply." However, this offers an alternative to fast food. Because, says teacher Bauer: "The aim is to teach the children that healthy food can also be delicious. However, many children come to school without any food at all. They are happy to get something here."

GHS Aretzstraße has long been committed to sustainability. This includes the school bees, the school garden at Gut Hebscheid and student catering. Exciting initiatives such as a raised bed project and the smoothie bike have also been successfully implemented.

Apply now!
These topics show how diverse sustainability can be practised in everyday school life - and this is precisely where "ACtive for Future" offers valuable support. The collaboration between GHS Aretzstraße and "ACtive for Future" creates new opportunities to further develop and expand sustainable projects. Johanna Jung calls on all Aachen schools: "The next round of applications for 'ACtive for Future' will start soon. Schools have until May 15 to submit their projects to us. We are also happy to provide advice, for example on what can be funded. Please get in touch!"

"ACtive for Future"
The program comprises five central components:

• Funding: Schools can receive financial support for sustainability projects, from 100 to 1,000 euros per application.
• Workshops: Offers on various sustainability topics help to deepen knowledge and get to know practical approaches.
• Networking: Through exchange formats, such as annual networking meetings, schools can learn from each other and further develop successful projects.
• Sustainability check: Materials support schools in analyzing their sustainability activities and identifying new measures.
• Energy, water, waste - we're getting to grips with it! Under this motto, the City of Aachen's facility management offers a wide range of services (school visits, information brochures, bonus program, energy case hire, etc.).

Schools are encouraged to develop their own ideas. As many members of the school community as possible are actively involved. Since 2022, 44 projects at 26 schools have already been funded.

"ACtive for Future" is coordinated by the ESD team (Education for Sustainable Development) of the City of Aachen's Climate and Environment Department.
Financial support
Schools in the city of Aachen of all school types can submit funding applications to "ACtive for Future" and receive up to 1,000 euros per project. The next application deadline is May 15. Funding is available for projects that structurally integrate sustainability into everyday school life and initiate changes in behavior. Tips and tricks can be found on our website: www.aachen.de, "Funding" section

Contact details ACtive for Future:
activeforfuture@mail.aachen.de

Fabiola Blum
fabiola.blum@mail.aachen.de
Tel.: +49 241 432-36112

Johanna Jung
johanna.jung@mail.aachen.de
Tel.: +49 241 432-36114