A new survey reveals a troubling trend in Czech elementary schools: almost half of students are skipping breakfast, citing lack of time as their primary reason. The September study, conducted by the Czech Olympic Committee in partnership with MN Force agency and involving 600 elementary school students, also found that one-fifth of children rarely or never receive packed snacks from their parents.
“The results show that a large portion of schoolchildren don’t have access to balanced breakfasts or snacks, which can have long-term effects on their health, energy levels, and ability to concentrate in school,” warns Jiří Kejval, chairman of the Czech Olympic Committee. The data paints a concerning picture of children’s nutrition habits, with many students left to make their own food choices—often unhealthy ones.
When children don’t bring snacks from home, they frequently turn to sweets and junk food. Nearly half buy candy without their parents’ knowledge, while 38 percent purchase chips and other salty snacks. For those who do receive packed lunches, sandwiches are most common (75 percent), followed by fruits and vegetables (60 percent). However, about 40 percent of packed snacks also include sweets. Water remains the most popular beverage at 58 percent.
The lunch situation is equally problematic. Up to a quarter of first-level students and a third of second-level students don’t eat in school cafeterias—some by choice, others despite being enrolled. “Some told their parents they didn’t want to go, so parents unenrolled them, but others are still registered and simply don’t eat lunch,” explains nutritional therapist Andrea Mokrejšová, who works with the Czech Olympic Committee. A new Ministry of Education regulation that took effect this September aims to improve school meals by reducing salt and sugar while increasing vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Schools have until September 2026 to implement these changes, and students can now bring lunch from home in containers.
To address these nutritional gaps, the Czech Olympic Committee has launched an educational campaign featuring Olympic athletes and nutritional tips on social media. The videos offer practical advice for making school snacks more balanced—like using spreadable cheese instead of butter, replacing salami with ham, and adding sliced vegetables. “We need to take a broader view of nutrition and avoid fixating on bans and diets,” Mokrejšová emphasizes. “Many parents try to feed their children healthy food, but it’s not always easy. The important thing is that parents themselves eat balanced meals—children will pick up on that.”
Medical professionals are sounding the alarm about the health consequences. Dr. Lenka Veselá from the obesity clinic at University Hospital Královské Vinohrady in Prague warns that skipping meals increases obesity risk. “Children eat nothing for half the day or only consume sweets. They come home and eat all afternoon and evening. Add to that a lack of physical activity,” she notes. The Olympic Committee has partnered with Olympic athletes and a major retail chain to mark select products with an “Approved by Olympians” logo, helping customers easily identify foods that should be part of a healthy diet. “The survey results aren’t very positive, which is why we’re introducing this new project to support healthier eating,” Kejval concludes.