Emmanuel Raynaud, economist, INRAE (testimony from the dossier “INRAE for healthy and sustainable food in school catering” – 2025)
My research focuses on the governance of economic activities, particularly in the food sector. I’m currently studying public food procurement. I’m looking at how school canteens are organised, the conditions for sourcing sustainable products and the public policy tools used by local authorities. Public catering is one of the levers for changing behaviour, on both the supply and demand sides. However, the application of the legislative framework still varies widely from one local authority to another, for example when it comes to including 20% organic produce in the meals served. What are the reasons for this disparity? What impact does compliance with these regulations have on local production and the local economy? Are public procurement contracts appropriate? These are just some of the questions whose answers will make it easier to implement this public policy.
Testimonial from our thematic dossier
Thematic dossier
INRAE for healthy and sustainable food in school catering
In France, the challenges of school catering now go beyond simply providing a meal. In addition to the educational challenge of fostering healthy eating habits in future adults, there are public health, food safety and environmental issues to consider. The introduction of organic, quality and sustainable products in the canteen is now a priority. Nutritionists, sociologists, agronomists and economists from INRAE are helping to draw up, implement and evaluate public policies in this highly regulated sector.
