The new school canteen decree, approved in 2025, has concluded its twelve-month grace period, making healthy menus compulsory in all educational centers across the archipelago. This measure aims to transform student nutrition, fostering more appropriate eating habits.

An example of this transformation is seen at the Centro de Educación Obligatoria (CEO) Bethencourt y Molina, located in Barranco Grande, Tenerife. This center, which had already anticipated the regulation, offers a varied menu including vegetable stew, 'pollo fiesta' with french fries and fruit for Monday, or alphabet soup, hamburger with tomato salad and fruit for Tuesday, among other options throughout the week.

The center is one of the 151 canteens directly managed by the Regional Government's Department of Education, integrated into the Ecocomedores project. This initiative, which served as a model for the national decree, promotes the use of local products and healthy preparations to feed over 35,000 diners in the Canary Islands.

In addition to standard menus, canteens offer alternatives adapted to various needs, including vegan, vegetarian options, and specific menus for allergies, intolerances, or religious diets. The center's management highlights that these adaptations are an opportunity for culinary creativity, incorporating ingredients like tofu or 'heura', whose weekly inclusion is mandatory under the new rule.

The implementation of these healthy menus also seeks to combat childhood overweight and obesity rates in the islands, which affect one in three children. The regulation establishes strict limits for red meats and industrial pastries, while promoting daily consumption of fruits and vegetables, and fish one to three times a week. Furthermore, waste reduction and the installation of water fountains are required, although the latter measure has an adaptation period until April 2027.