Employees of the State Service for Quality of Education asked parents how satisfied they are with school meals. The survey showed that more than 80% of students regularly attend cafeterias, and for the vast majority of them these lunches are paid for by the state.
Most families are satisfied with how schools have organized the process. Parents positively evaluate the cleanliness of the premises, portion sizes, and the quality of the food itself. Temperature control and menu variety also receive predominantly favorable reviews.
Some students still refuse lunches, and the main reason is the taste of the dishes. More than half of dissatisfied parents note that the food simply tastes bland. Families ask for menu diversification, recipe improvement, and stricter monitoring to ensure the food reaches the table hot. A third of respondents have no complaints and consider the current menu entirely satisfactory.
Air raid warnings remain a serious challenge for cooks and teachers. When lunch time coincides with sheltering, more than half of schools find a way to feed the children. Many parents admit they have no idea how the educational institution operates in such situations. The Ministry of Education plans to require schools to better explain to families the rules of meal provision during emergencies.
Funding school lunches helps families save money during the war and teaches children healthy eating. These funds also work for the Ukrainian economy. School supplies are purchased from local farmers, creating new jobs in communities. If parents notice problems in the cafeteria, they have the right to contact local authorities of the State Service for Quality of Education to correct the situation.
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