The "meal dictatorship" or: What should children (be allowed to) eat in day care centers and primary schools?

The article refers to a selected excerpt of a discourse on the exclusive offer of a meat- and fish-free lunch at day care centers and elementary schools in the city of Freiburg in autumn 2022. In the run-up to the corresponding decision of the municipal council, a lively media discussion arose. The analysis shows several strands of discourse and points to different values. These include the value of pleasure (hedonism) and the value of children's autonomy. In this article, these values are discussed against a (nutritional) educational and political background.