Mother's Facebook post on school lunches — pasta, pork and sugared semolina — sparks heated debate

A Facebook post by Nataša Rogova, mother of two sons, has sparked a broad public discussion about what Latvian schools serve for lunch. She asked what the point of free school meals is if children simply don't eat them, comparing today's menus with those from when her older son attended school years ago and finding the change unfavorable.

Criticism of menu choices

Rogova voiced dissatisfaction with dishes such as pasta, pork, and semolina porridge with added sugar, questioning why healthier alternatives like oatmeal or whole-grain options aren't used more often. She also expressed doubts about how school sauces are prepared, suggesting they might rely on bouillon cubes and flour rather than fresh ingredients. She further noted that despite it being apple season in Latvia, children are sometimes served melon instead of local apples.

Hunger and children's wellbeing

According to the mother, her child struggles to eat a full breakfast early in the morning, arriving at school hungry. If the lunch on offer isn't appealing, the child goes half-hungry until evening, then overeats at home and later complains of stomach pain. She linked this pattern to children's fatigue and difficulty concentrating at school, alongside factors like sleep and stress.

Divided reactions online

The post drew hundreds of comments. Some parents and school staff agreed that menus need reform, pointing to outsourced catering companies prioritizing profit over quality by choosing cheaper ingredients. Others argued the real problem lies not with the menus but with children's eating habits at home — many children simply aren't used to eating soups, vegetables, or cottage cheese, so they refuse them at school too. Several commenters said their own schools offer varied, well-received menus, concluding that much depends on family habits.