EU School Scheme for Fruit, Vegetables and Milk

The EU School Scheme for Fruit, Vegetables, and Milk supports the subsidized distribution of fresh fruit, vegetables, and dairy products to children in Viennese schools and kindergartens. With EU aid, the aim is on one hand to stabilize agricultural markets and on the other to promote healthy eating habits from an early age. Eligible aid recipients are companies, educational, and public institutions that supply officially recognized schools, special schools, or kindergartens. Funding can be applied for continuously: budget allocations take place annually between September 15 and October 15, as well as in subsequent monthly periods. Based on this, aid applications must be submitted within three months after each delivery period via the online portal eAMA. In addition to product deliveries, accompanying educational measures such as tastings or excursions, as well as communication and evaluation projects, are also supported.

Eligible for aid are exclusively fruit and vegetable products up to €2 per kilogram, as well as milk and dairy products graded by category: €29.60 per 100 kg (Category 0), €24 per 100 kg (Category I), and €20 per 100 kg (Category II). A prerequisite for funding is approval by the AMA, delivery to authorized educational institutions, compliance with product specifications according to EU regulation, and use of the online forms. Funding steps are documented through applications for budget allocation, aid payments, invoices and payment proofs, as well as project descriptions. Expenses for school meals and resale are excluded. The program relies on close cooperation between suppliers, educational experts, and educational institutions to enable children direct access to fresh foods and raise awareness for a balanced diet.