The Fish & Dip Day on 20 May 2026 encouraged kids to eat & enjoy fish
On 20 May, Espoo Catering’s schools and day-care centres celebrated the Fish & Dip Day that introduced pupils to new fish favourites! The aim was to help children and young people discover tasty fish dishes to add to their menu and encourage them to eat fish in line with nutrition recommendations.
The party was in full swing at Juvanpuisto
Juvanpuiston koulu school served as the main venue for the Fish & Dip festivities! The school restaurant was decorated with pupils’ fish-themed drawings, fun fish soft toys and nets. Info posters on walls and school screens told about the benefits of eating fish.
In addition to meals, there were plenty of activities: pupils could play a fishing game, a party classic, and try their luck at fishing for small surprises. At a tasting station, pupils got to try apple and cinnamon quark pancakes served with apple compote. A feedback station collected important feedback on how tasty the pupils found the lunch.
"That fishing game was so much fun and the fish nuggets were good"
- Customer feedback
The theme day caught plenty of praise
Rainbow trout nuggets marked with the Heart Symbol, made with Finnish fish, found their way to plates across Espoo. The nuggets were eaten with potatoes, vegetable sticks and two different dips. Slightly spicier vegetarian nuggets were also served at the schools, while the day-care centres offered vegetable balls.
Of the two lunch options offered, the rainbow trout nugget was the favourite at the Juvanpuiston koulu school, while of the dip options, the sour cream dip was slightly more popular than the red pepper dip. The overall score given to the Fish & Dip event by the Juvanpuisto pupils was 4.66 out of 1–5!
"It was really good, yummm😘
- Customer feedback
Why are food events and theme days organised?
Food events and various theme days at schools and day-care centres are an important part of developing menus. They are used to test new products, inspire children and young people to taste new foods without fear, and collect direct feedback – everything that helps Espoo Catering make decisions about introducing foods that customers enjoy to its menus!
On the Fish & Dip Day at the Juvanpuiston koulu school, the meal participation rate was an impressive 96%! Theme days and food events clearly attract pupils to eat. The foods served during the theme day received a lot of positive feedback, which strengthens the view that children and young people enjoy fish, especially when it is paired with different dips and crunchy vegetables.
We would like to thank Juvanpuiston koulu school and their kitchen, as well as our event partner, Atria, for the successful event!