New Taipei to Implement 5-Day On-Campus Lunches for Elementary and Junior High Students Next Semester

(CNA, New Taipei, May 21, by reporter Tsao Ya-yen) With the upcoming launch of free school lunches in New Taipei's elementary and junior high schools, a city councilor has proposed that students should finish their lunch at school before dismissal to cultivate regular eating habits and reduce food safety concerns from dining out. Mayor Hou Yu-ih stated that a policy for 5-day on-campus lunches will be promoted starting next semester, with related supporting measures being drafted. Beginning from the start of the 115th academic year on August 31, New Taipei City will implement free school lunches for students in public and private elementary and junior high schools, with an annual budget of approximately NT$4.84 billion. During a general interpellation at the city council today, DPP Councilor Chang Chin-hao noted that dismissal times currently vary by grade, and some students dismissed at noon may be sent to after-school care centers and not eat until after 1:00 PM, leading to irregular meal times and potential snacking. Chang argued that to establish regular eating habits, the city government should have students finish lunch before leaving school. This would not only reduce food safety risks from eating out but also allow teachers, by dining with students, to instill proper eating concepts and address issues of leftovers and food waste. Mayor Hou Yu-ih responded that the current plan is moving towards 5-day on-campus lunches starting next semester. Supporting measures, such as adjustments to teachers' working hours and allowances, are also being developed at an accelerated pace, with the hope of launching them concurrently with the new school year to care for every child in New Taipei and reward teachers for their hard work. The Education Bureau added that to ensure consistency across schools, all elementary and junior high schools in New Taipei will fully implement 5-day on-campus lunches from the 115th academic year, having students leave after finishing their meal. For students who need to leave early due to family pickups, medical appointments, or other special needs, schools can provide flexible assistance based on the actual situation. DPP Councilor Tai Wei-shan pointed out during her interpellation that, according to data, Taiwan produces about 500 tons of food waste annually, wasting about NT$2.2 billion. She suggested the city could learn from the Japanese `teishoku` (set meal) style of school lunches, which feature fixed portions of staples, side dishes, milk, and fruit. Although the portions may seem small, they are calculated by nutritionists to meet daily caloric and nutritional needs without generating large amounts of food waste. Mayor Hou agreed with this suggestion, viewing school lunch as a part of education. He mentioned the city is already promoting a "Clean Plate" campaign for zero leftovers. Currently, students mostly serve themselves while teachers observe and guide, but as each child's appetite differs, the city will gradually establish standardized portions and systems, moving progressively towards fixed quantities. (Editor: Long Po-an) 1150521