Updated
Although more than 80% of schoolchildren believe that the canteen menu is healthy, only one in three students rate it as good or very good ( 34% ). This is a significant concern as 27% rate it as bad or very bad, and many children criticize the taste of the food , with approximately 35.7% expressing dissatisfaction. These findings are highlighted in the report “ Eating at School: Food, Education, and Equity ,” launched as part of the campaign “5 Star Dining Space.” This initiative follows a comprehensive survey conducted on more than 1,600 adolescents aged between 12 and 18 from across Spain.
Despite 94.5% of students recognizing the school cafeteria’s benefits, including family conciliation (47.6%) and socialization (38.8%), the average rating of the dining space barely reaches 3 out of 5. “The food was unappetizing; everything tasted the same,” shares Andrés , a 14-year-old from Andalusia . He highlights another issue: the inadequate temperature of the meals, with 32.2% echoing his concern. Similarly, Pablo , also 14 and from the same region, mentions how processed the cafeteria food is, observing that it seems as if it has been around for too long.
Furthermore, 26.6% of students highlight the insufficient portions served. “I left hungry. The portions were ridiculous,” states Adriana , a 16-year-old from Madrid . Many students express a preference for food prepared on-site rather than opting for food supplied by catering services. This dissatisfaction points to a need for schools to rethink their dining strategies and food provision.
“It is worrying that, after more than a thousand meals throughout primary school, the dining room space does not receive a more positive assessment. This tells us that there is ample room for improvement ,” emphasizes Pilar Orenes , general director of Educo . For the NGO, the dining room space is more than just a place to eat; it is considered an essential part of the right to education . It should be integrated into the school’s educational project, rather than being treated merely as a complementary service often disconnected from the center’s guiding principles. However, the survey unveils several alarming shortcomings.
Punishments
For the majority of students, the bright side of the dining room experience is the opportunity to play and socialize with friends ( 90.5% ): “I was looking forward to staying in the dining room so I could play later,” confesses Helen , a 12-year-old from Asturias . However, many students report a troubling atmosphere characterized by strict rules and punishments . A staggering 56% claim they are prevented from enjoying outdoor play if they don’t finish their meals, and 27% report being urged to eat quickly. Alarmingly, only 4% of students state that no punishments are enforced for non-compliance with the cafeteria rules.
When discussing their relationship with monitors , students acknowledge the importance of rules but advocate for fairness . Patience is viewed as the most critical quality in monitors (51%), followed closely by the ability to speak calmly (43%), show sympathy (33%), and exhibit respect (32%). In terms of responsibilities, students emphasize the importance of monitors motivating them to eat (32%) and assisting in conflict resolution (29%). “The monitors do a fundamental and complex job,” remarks Orenes, “but the boys and girls ask for more support and for an approach centered on good treatment. Patience, respect, and dialogue must be at the forefront.”
Students also advocate for free play and autonomy during meal times. Approximately 64.8% value having unstructured time to choose their activities, while 53.8% appreciate being able to select their playmates. Yet, research indicates that one in six students often feels alone or excluded in this environment. “It is very sad to feel alone and invisible,” says Jordi , a 15-year-old from Catalonia . Laura , a 14-year-old from Madrid , notes, “There are people who greatly need scholarships but they aren’t provided. If you see someone in need, then they should receive assistance.”
The survey reveals a strong consensus regarding child participation : an overwhelming 94.7% believe their opinions should carry more weight. In light of these findings, Educo urges public administrations to adopt a “5 Star Dining Space” model that is universal, free, and thoughtfully integrated with an educational, healthy, and sustainable framework. This model must prioritize the voice of children, acknowledge the educational role of staff, and ensure that they are adequately trained—especially in the areas of good treatment and child protection—to foster decent working conditions.