Greece distributes school meals to more students
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The Greek Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family began distributing school meals for the new school year across Greece.
The program now covers 160 municipalities and 2,000 primary schools, with the capacity to provide up to 240,000 meals daily. Parents can report any issues with the meals to school administration or through the OPΕKA helpline at 1555. Each school has a three-member reception committee that checks the meals upon delivery for quantity, temperature, and quality.
The OPΕKA (Organization for the Provision of Social Welfare Benefits) and the Unified Food Control Authority also inspect production facilities, packaging plants, and transport vehicles, and conduct microbiological sampling. Over the past two school years, OPΕKA completed 36 inspections and the Unified Food Control Authority completed 90 inspections of production and packaging facilities. The meals are prepared the same day they are served, following a weekly menu based on the Mediterranean diet with rotating meat, fish, legumes, and vegetables.
The program serves all students in participating schools equally to avoid stigma, and uses olive oil while limiting salt and frying. Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Domna Michailidou, stated the ministry prioritizes safe, nutritious meals for children and is working to expand the program while maintaining quality.
