Free lunch for all children: AWO fights for change!

Free lunch for all children: AWO fights for change!

Today, November 6th, 2025, the AWO Federal Conference will take place in Thuringia, to which around 500 delegates and guests from all state and district associations in Germany are expected. The Potsdamer Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO) has six representatives on site who are actively taking part in the discussions and training on digital voting. In a meeting of the executive board on Wednesday, the topics for the three-day conference were prepared, which also included the conference documents. Marvin Deversi, a board member of the AWO Federal Association, will present the latest developments of the entire association.

A central concern of AWO Potsdam has been combating child poverty for years. The focus is particularly on providing free lunches for children and young people. The “Spirellibande” initiative was launched back in 2007, offering a donation-based, free lunch and school breakfast. Parts of this project have now been taken over by the city of Potsdam. At the beginning of 2024, the first citizens' assembly, set up by the Bundestag, called for free lunch for all children in Germany.

Popular initiative “School SATT!”

Last year, the AWO District Association Potsdam e.V. was one of the first signatories of the popular initiative “School SATT!”, which also calls for free food in Brandenburg’s primary schools. Despite the impressive support of over 23,500 signatures, the initiative has so far remained unnoticed by state politicians. This shows a need for action that the local actors urgently want to bring to the table. The discussion on this topic will certainly also play an important role at the federal conference in Thuringia.

The challenges surrounding providing children with healthy meals are obvious. A good meal is not only a question of health, but also a question of equal opportunities. The AWO sees a great responsibility here and would like to set positive accents with its commitment. Voluntary and professional commitment is very popular, and people are actively involved in shaping the educational landscape.

In summary, it can be said that AWO Potsdam not only stands up for an important cause, but also works locally in the community. The Federal Conference will be used as a platform to further advance these issues and fight for the needs of the next generation. With this in mind, the delegates hope for fruitful discussions and new impulses for children and young people in Germany.

For further information about the federal conference you can visit the AWO Potsdam website: AWO Potsdam.