Kuhmo school meal discussion quiets down after feedback from parents and students

The discussion surrounding school meals in Kuhmo has quieted down recently. The topic gained significant attention on social media after Vireko Oy Ateriapalvelut, a subsidiary of Attendo, began preparing the meals in February. The conversation intensified early in the year when students were served fish soup, which led to parents expressing concerns online, noting that their children often returned home hungry.

Päivi Kyllönen, the service manager for Kuhmo, reported that the feedback has since decreased, with only a handful of individual comments—both negative and positive—coming in. School meals are prepared in the kitchen of Kuhmo’s Tuupala school according to Vireko’s guidelines. Kyllönen mentioned that there was a slight spike in feedback in August when a batch of macaroni casserole did not meet expectations due to a minor kitchen error.

In response to the feedback, Vireko has made slight adjustments to the school menus, such as adding sought-after spinach pancakes in the fall. Changes were implemented soon after the feedback started coming in earlier this year, including favorites like barley porridge and fruit soup.

Despite the reduction in negative comments, some students still find certain meals unappetizing. Kuhmo resident Heli Kärnä noted that her children enjoy some school meals but often skip others, instead relying on bread and water during the school day. She remarked on a recent occasion when her daughters returned from school still hungry, explaining they only drank water for lunch.

Concerns surrounding the appearance and quality of school meals persist, as Kärnä urges her children to at least try the food, hoping for a more favorable experience.