School Meals for an Education Group – 12 Schools

We prepare lunch for 6,200 pupils a day in an education group with 12 schools in Gebze and Darıca. Three separate menus by age group (nursery, primary, middle school) and a separate allergen card system in each school are applied.

The solution

Menus are planned annually by a paediatric dietitian and sent to parents monthly. To reduce plate waste on vegetable and legume days, portion sizes were standardised by child age group. Coordination with school canteens reduced processed snacks.

Results

• Plate waste fell by 31%
• Parent satisfaction 4.6 / 5
• Allergen incidents: 0

Lessons learned

“Tasting corners” were set up for children to try new foods; vegetable dishes were introduced in small portions. This approach was the most effective way of cutting vegetable waste.