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Rautavaara municipality ends contract with Servica over student meal dissatisfaction

Tuesday 10th 2024 on 13:34 in  
Finland

Rautavaara municipality has decided to terminate its contract with the food supplier Servica and is exploring alternative food service options. Over 70% of students in Rautavaara’s upper secondary school skip their school lunches, citing unappetizing meals as a key issue. Municipal leader Mikko Kärnä emphasized the importance of adhering to legal obligations surrounding school meals and the necessity of meeting the energy requirements for growing children.

The trend of students not eating is seen as a growing concern that could hinder their ability to concentrate in class. School meals have been a significant topic of discussion in Northern Savonia, particularly in Rautavaara. A recent health survey revealed that 38% of national students in the same age group do not consume school lunches daily, with over 60% of upper secondary school students finding the food unappealing.

Servica has been responsible for preparing meals for the municipality since the establishment of wellbeing areas in 2022. Following rising dissatisfaction, Rautavaara has decided to end its contract with the supplier, which will conclude at the end of next year. The municipality is currently investigating three different options for providing food services, including inviting private bids and potentially establishing its own kitchen. Servica has the opportunity to demonstrate it can deliver higher quality meals.

Kärnä stated that cost alone would not dictate the future of food services, stressing that meals must meet one-third of a child’s daily energy needs. Observations from a recent school lunch highlighted that students were still reluctant to eat even during a special Independence Day meal. The school principal noted that the phenomenon of skipping meals reflects broader issues, including peer influence and attitudes towards food among students. After Rautavaara’s departure, Servica will continue to service six other municipalities.

Source 
(via yle.fi)