Turku asks daycare staff to avoid envy-inducing lunches

Turku has asked early childhood education staff to avoid bringing food that could make children feel envious, Yle reports. The guidance has puzzled daycare workers, and the city says it does not ban staff from bringing their own food.

The advice, issued last week, followed discussion at a management meeting in September. Turku’s early childhood education director, Vesa Kulmala, said the issue had been raised after the city received several contacts.

Meeting notes cited cases where staff brought fast food or similar treats, prompting questions and protests from children.

Daycare employees generally do not have a separate meal break. Instead, they eat with the children, and the city considers mealtimes an educational setting where staff are expected to set an example. Staff pay a few euros from their salary for the meals provided, depending on their pay, but can bring their own food.

Kulmala said staff should consider whether their food might prompt envy among children. Energy drinks and similar beverages are not allowed in rooms used by children. During a 10-minute coffee break, staff may eat and drink what they like.

If a staff member’s food is unsuitable to eat in front of the children, they can arrange with their immediate supervisor to eat outside the group. The employment agreement says staff must be given time for a quick meal if this does not disrupt work; they may be away for no more than 15 to 20 minutes.

Monika Toljander, director of Herttuankulma daycare centre in Turku, said some employees bring their own food when the daycare meals cause problems such as stomach discomfort.

Anna Laakkonen, chair of the Early Childhood Education Teachers’ Union, said she did not consider staff bringing their own food a major issue. She said children can be taught that people have different diets and reasons for eating different foods. Everyone should also be allowed to eat in peace, she added.