Benevento municipality tackles school lunch service challenges

A recent council meeting in Benevento highlighted problems arising from the decision by some school directors to ban home‑packed meals. The ban is expected to increase demand for the municipal lunch service, which currently provides meals to about 1,050 students daily and may see a 20% rise.

The municipality funds roughly 60% of the total cost of the service, with parents covering the remaining 40%. Officials warned that the changes could require an additional €500,000 in annual spending. About 190 meals per day are also consumed by school staff. Limited space at the main school prompted the head of the boarding school to offer places for students who wish to bring meals from home at other schools, provided adequate supervision is ensured.

Mayor Clemente Mastella thanked the boarding school director for the cooperation and suggested the possible use of bus shuttles to transport students to alternative locations. The council urged all educational institutions to act responsibly to avoid further disruption and to reassure parents about the continuity of the lunch service.