Commentary: Why the central kitchen model for school meals works for my family

My child’s main complaint is that she misses “normal” pasta and white rice, as only multi-grain versions are served. Since then, I’ve been gradually introducing brown rice and grains like quinoa and buckwheat into our family meals, so we can all get used to eating whole grains.

I also find myself hiding my delight when my child grumbles about having a large portion of vegetables. In that sense, this shift to a central kitchen model may be the start of healthier eating habits.

For a serving that includes carbohydrates, vegetables and protein, the meals – which cost S$2 for a small portion and S$2.50 to S$3 for a regular portion – are also good value for money.

Compare this with my child’s previous favourite dish – a S$1.80 tomato sauce macaroni from a stall at the school canteen, one of the few safe options available for her. Still, it was a small plate of pasta, stir-fried in tomato ketchup with a few slices of canned button mushrooms alongside three stalks of chye sim. Cheese powder was available at an extra cost. The meals she now receives definitely offer better nutritional value for what we pay.