Parents of children attending two primary schools in Laterrière, in Saguenay, criticized the policy of these schools regarding lunches.
Lunch preparation at Notre-Dame and Jolis-Prés elementary schools has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Due to staff shortages, students no longer have access to the microwave.
“We tried the thermos, but the food looks like mud…It’s not attractive to them!” said a mother, who spoke to TVA Nouvelles under the cover of anonymity.
“Preparing lunches the day before is more difficult,” he added.
This mother believes that many parents experience the same problem. Children quickly tire of cold foods, which are more difficult to differentiate.
“Vegetables, sandwiches, submarines, salads, these are healthy things, but my son is no longer interested,” she said. We tried several strategies, such as heart-shaped sandwiches and small messages of love. They are tired of eating sandwiches!”
The effect of this apathy can affect academic results, according to him.
“It’s not just because of the food,” he emphasized. But food is important for concentration. A dinner no less, a long afternoon for sure!”
Two other parents who came to pick up their respective children so that they could have dinner at home lamented that they could not eat hot food at school. A thermos is not a solution.
Alternate microwave access depending on level, use a caterer or hire volunteers; Unhappy parents offer solutions.
“I’m willing to pay more,” said one mother.
The former director of both schools, Louise Noël, has rejected the principle of succession. And current director Virginie Hallahan-Pilotte maintains that with 400 children at lunchtime, about twenty volunteers are needed.
“We wouldn’t let our teachers spend an hour at lunch taking care of microwave meals,” recalls Louise Noël. The staff should be doubled. ”
“A volunteer who doesn’t show up for a day creates stress on the rest of the team,” agreed Virginie Hallahan-Pilotte.
Parents calling for changes should therefore remain cautious.
