'Fish Fridays’ pilot project to start in four schools this month

An initiative promoting the nutritional benefits of eating fish will kick off in schools this month with a pilot project that will see free fish served in four primary schools over four weeks.

The 'Fish Fridays' initiative, which was announced in the 2026 Budget, will start on Friday, April 24, Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries Alicia Bugeja Said announced.

Each week, the initiative will visit one state primary school, starting with Marsaxlokk, Għaxaq, Msida, and San Ġwann. The pilot project is the first step towards rolling out the project nationwide.

On each 'Fish Friday', children will be educated by a nutritionist about the health benefits of including fish in one's diet. They will then get the chance to taste a range of fish cooked by chefs.

“The aim is to ensure that fish is made accessible to all children, giving them a taste of a healthy food that is an important part of a balanced Mediterranean diet,” the junior minister said.

Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries Alicia Bugeja Said launched the Fish Fridays pilot. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Data showed that only 6% of children consume fish, while other data showed that some 40% of children were obese, she added. 

Brian Vella, chief executive of the National Food Agency, said the initiative served several purposes: exposing children to healthy food, teaching them about Maltese fishing and supporting the local industry while promoting Maltese recipes.

Justin John Camilleri, chief business development officer at the agency, said the initiative builds on tried-and-tested models used in the past to promote milk, fresh food and vegetable consumption to schoolchildren.

The project will also include the issuing of tenders for the supply of fish to be supplied to schools, he said.

Fish consumption offers significant health benefits, providing high-quality protein, essential omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins (D, B2) and minerals like iron and zinc.

According to the World Health Organisation, eating fish promotes cardiovascular health, supports brain function, boosts cognitive health, and is crucial for child development.