Father voices concern on social media over meals at kindergarten and school
A parent has shared observations on the social network Threads about children's meals in educational institutions, sparking a discussion. Commenters offer various explanations, including lack of water, ventilation and centralised procurement.
A parent using the nickname “Dieva Suns” (“God's Dog”) has posted on the social network Threads about children's meals at kindergarten and school, prompting a discussion about whether the food served in educational institutions is of good quality and healthy. The source does not specify which institution or city is involved.
The parent writes that his child regularly has bad breath after coming home from kindergarten, while there is no such problem at weekends. Another child reportedly does not always eat at school because the food is sometimes inedible. He adds that a friend told his son that clothes and hair smell of the kitchen after school.
He asks whether cheaper procurement for children's meals and the absence of food inspections in schools and kindergartens mean that nutrition quality is not being considered. In his view, ministries are building so-called castles in the air while chaos reigns at the foundations, including in children's health.
Commenters' explanations
Users in the discussion suggest several possible causes. One woman believes the bad breath could be linked to insufficient water intake. Another commenter agrees, noting that children at kindergarten consume a lot of sugar but do not drink enough water.
Another participant thinks poor ventilation may be to blame. In her view, every dish has its own smell, but there are ways to prevent it from soaking into clothing. She adds that she knows several catering venues in Riga where the food is good, yet clothes still absorb the aroma after a visit.
Another woman raises the issue of centralised food procurement. She believes schools should be allowed to organise catering themselves and check the quality of products and meals on the spot, rather than relying on a centralised procurement system and many supervising bodies.
Yet another commenter points out that kindergarten children do not brush their teeth before nap time, even though toothbrushes and cups are available at the institution.
