To support the successful implementation of a buffet-style catering system in the project’s pilot schools, on April 20, 2026, the Daugavpils University project team of “SchoolFood WasteSolutions,” together with project partners, visited Riga State Gymnasium No.3 to gain firsthand insight into how this approach is implemented in Latvian schools.

During the project, valuable international experience has already been gained in Sweden and Finland. Therefore, it was particularly important to assess how buffet-style catering is organized within the Latvian context. This enables a more accurate evaluation of the model’s potential and supports its effective adaptation to the needs of local schools.

During the visit, participants explored the practical organization of catering and observed students’ eating habits. It was noted that food waste is minimal, students are offered a free choice from the available dishes, and they also have the option to take additional portions. This approach encourages more responsible food consumption, as well as greater student engagement and satisfaction with the catering process.

Given that the introduction of buffet-style catering is planned in the project’s pilot schools starting from the next academic year, the visit provided valuable practical insights and concrete ideas for the successful implementation of this approach.

Cooks from the pilot schools also participated in the visit, gaining the opportunity to explore aspects of work organization in greater depth and to receive practical recommendations for implementing buffet-style catering.

Such exchanges of experience strengthen cooperation between educational institutions and contribute to the development of more sustainable, efficient, and modern catering solutions in schools.

This project is co-financed by the European Union. The Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021–2027 promotes cross-border cooperation to address shared challenges and build a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive Central Baltic region.

Programme website: https://centralbaltic.eu/

Official EU website: www.europa.eu

Contact:
Rita Ivanova
Daugavpils University
Senior Project Manager
E-mail: rita.ivanova@du.lv
Phone.: 29857838

This publication has been prepared with the financial support of the European Union. Daugavpils University is solely responsible for the content of this publication, which should not be regarded as reflecting the views of the European Union.