SINGAPORE: Hwa Chong Institution is facing a whirlwind of criticism over its new canteen programme, which has students questioning the quality of their meals. The backlash began when photos of the bento meals circulated on social media, prompting concerns about their nutritional value and taste.
Student Feedback
While the school contends that the images do not reflect their actual food standards, students beg to differ. Interviews revealed a mix of opinions:
- A Secondary 1 student described the chicken as “watered down” with pasta that “tasted like grass”.
- A Secondary 4 student noted the portion imbalance, saying there was an excess of pasta compared to other sides and that the food was too salty.
- In contrast, a Secondary 3 student defended the meals, stating, “The taste wasn’t like, obviously, as good as the canteen food, but it was still pretty okay.”
Response from Hwa Chong
Hwa Chong has responded to the uproar, asserting that they monitor canteen operations closely, including the quality and portion sizes of meals. They’ve revealed that the bento meals are prepared in partnership with SATS and are crafted by certified nutritionists, adhering to guidelines from the Ministry of Education and the Health Promotion Board.
The new canteen model, launched on 2 January 2024, aims to shorten queues during meal breaks and combat manpower shortages. It offers both pre-prepared bento sets and live food stalls, featuring a variety of cuisines including local and Western dishes.
Clarifications on Alleged Punishments
Amid the controversy, the institution clarified that no students were penalised for speaking out about their dining experience. Although a message from a teacher warned students against participating in the discussion, the school stated that it was meant to ensure student well-being and not to suppress opinions.
School representatives emphasised that they encourage student feedback and have plans to form a review committee to continuously assess food quality and student satisfaction.
This situation underscores the importance of open dialogue in educational institutions and the necessity for schools to respond effectively to student concerns.