‘Fish Fridays’ pilot initiative to launch in primary schools on 24 April

A pilot phase of the ‘Fish Fridays’ initiative in primary schools is set to begin on 24 April, a government statement said.

The Parliamentary Secretariat for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, together with the Ministry for Education and the Malta Food Agency, launched the new initiative, which will be implemented in a number of primary schools across Malta.

The pilot phase will be carried out in four primary schools, where students will have the opportunity to take part in short educational sessions on nutrition and the benefits of fish consumption, followed by the distribution of specially prepared fish-based meals.

Students will be divided into groups to ensure the activity is conducted efficiently and safely, while each school will adopt a rotation system to reach all students.

This pilot phase will serve to assess the project’s operational effectiveness in a real-life setting, with the aim of eventually expanding the initiative to more schools across the country.

Close coordination has already taken place with participating schools to address all logistical aspects, including site-specific requirements, safety procedures, and parental consent processes, the statement said.

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said said that the ‘Fish Fridays’ project is a concrete step towards building a stronger culture of fish consumption among children, noting that only around 6% of children regularly consume fish.

She said the initiative is not only about encouraging children to eat fish, but also about promoting healthy eating habits and a healthier lifestyle from a young age.

Every Friday, the initiative will bring an educational experience into schools, while also promoting the consumption of less commonly used fish species to increase awareness among children and families about a wider variety of local, healthy, and sustainable products, she said.

Malta Food Agency CEO Brian Vella said the project delivers an important message, particularly in relation to food.

He said the agency is working with the Secretariat to promote the importance of nutritious food and how it contributes to the health and well-being of the population.

At the same time, the initiative promotes local fisheries products and supports the sustainability of local fishermen.

Vella added that the project aims to reach communities across the country, raising awareness about Maltese food while encouraging a healthier and more accessible lifestyle.

Malta Food Agency Chief Business Development Officer Justin John Camilleri said the initiative aligns with the agency’s mission to add value to local products and support fishermen, while promoting Maltese food.

He described the project as an innovative one, building on successful initiatives related to milk, fruit, and vegetables, with the aim of increasing children’s interest in fish consumption.

Activities in schools will be supported by nutritionists and professional chefs, who will explain the benefits and provide a hands-on experience for children.

The project will begin on 24 April and continue throughout May in various schools across Malta.

It is expected to serve as a foundation for future educational and nutritional initiatives, while continuing to promote the value of Maltese fish as part of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, the statement said.

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