More school canteens serving healthy food but rising prices a concern 

209 schools join healthy meal programme but rising prices a concern among parents

Wellington Primary School pupils enjoying healthy meals in the canteen. PHOTO: HEALTH PROMOTION BOARD

'Care taken' to ensure meal prices affordable

More than half of the schools here are now serving healthier meals with less fat, sugar and salt, and each with a serving of fruit.

But even as parents applaud the move, the prices of food in school canteens have gone up and some prefer if their children are not limited to buying full meal sets, when all they want is a small snack.

The Health Promotion Board (HPB) told The Straits Times that 209 out of more than 360 schools, including junior colleges, have joined its Healthy Meals in Schools Programme (HMSP) - an initiative set up in 2011. Of this, 15 schools joined this year.

What's out, for instance - drinks without the Healthier Choice symbol, adding sweeteners to fresh fruit juices and "pre-deep-fried items", the last a new addition to this year's updated guidelines.

  • HPB guidelines

  • • Set meals should contain the right portions from the four main food groups - brown rice and wholemeal bread, meat and others, fruits and vegetables.

    • Whole-grains should be mixed with dishes, such• as at least 20 per cent of brown rice to white rice.

    • Use skinless poultry and lean meat when preparing food.

    • Deep-fried food and preserved food are not allowed. This includes pre-deep-fried food such as chicken nuggets, as well as sausages and luncheon meat.

    • When high-fat ingredients such as coconut milk, milk and cheese are used in food and drink preparation, at least half of their required amounts must be replaced with reduced-fat alternatives.

    • Gravy, sauce and oil cannot be served unless upon request, and when asked for, not more than two dessert-spoonfuls can be given.

    • Only home-made snacks such as salad and sandwiches, or products with the Healthier Choice symbol, can be sold.

    • For drinks, only those with the Healthier Choice symbol are allowed, and stalls have to reduce the sugar content of their drinks. They also cannot use sweeteners such as syrup or honey in fresh fruit juices.

What's in - set meals containing portions from the four main food groups - brown rice and wholemeal bread, meat and others, fruit and vegetables.

Cooks and canteen vendors are also given training by nutritionists and chefs on healthier cooking methods, such as using ovens and grilling, instead of frying.

An HPB spokesman said the scheme "has seen a steady growth over the last four years", as schools see the importance of developing good eating habits from young. HPB reviews the programme's requirements frequently, she said.

Still, serving healthier food comes at a cost. At the School of Science and Technology (SST), for instance, prices of most meals, which now range from $2.30 to $2.50, have gone up by about 30 cents to account for higher costs.

HPB told The Straits Times that it works closely with schools on meal planning and cost considerations.

It also suggests to vendors a range of suppliers and distributors which provide ingredients such as brown rice, wholegrain fresh noodles and soft margarine at affordable prices.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Education said: "There may be a nominal increase in the price but the prices remain significantly lower than at public eating places.

"Care is taken to maintain affordable food prices and that students will get value for money."

Needy students can tap schools' free breakfast programme and financial assistance, she added.

Mr Shafig Maricar, subject head of physical education (PE) at Tampines Primary School, which joined the HMSP in 2012, said food prices rose by 20 to 30 cents.

"But for every meal, there are always two options - normal or large portions," he said.

St Gabriel's Secondary School's head for PE Mohammad Zahed said his school, which joined the programme last year, increased the amount of meal vouchers for students on financial assistance.

"It's important for students to have at least one healthy meal in school. It's also our responsibility to educate them on food choices," he added.

Parents are glad their children are eating healthily, although it means increasing their allowance.

Mr Ricky Ee, a senior engineering specialist whose two children are in Zhenghua Primary, said: "Kids nowadays don't have very healthy diets. The food is more expensive now, but it will be worth it in the long term."

Wayne Chia, 15, a Secondary 3 SST student, said: "Even though meals are now slightly more expensive, I enjoy being able to have fruit along with my food."

But some parents, like Madam June Tan, who packs food for her Primary 3 daughter in Admiralty Primary to take to school, felt that students should not be "forced" to buy fruit along with dishes.

"Sometimes she just wants something extra and not a whole set. The porridge she usually buys used to cost 70 cents, but now she says it is $1.50 because it comes with longans and a slice of watermelon. Children should be given a choice, or it could result in food wastage" said the 44-year-old, who runs an online clothing business.

• Additional reporting by Sheryl Lee

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 01, 2016, with the headline More school canteens serving healthy food but rising prices a concern . Subscribe