Hanoi schools face meal delivery delays and quality issues

Schools in Hanoi are facing significant challenges regarding the management and quality of student boarding meals at the start of the 2026-2027 school year. Multiple reports indicate that meals are being delivered several hours late, sometimes as late as 2:00 PM, forcing students to rely on snacks or milk to tide them over.

Specific incidents have drawn public outcry. At Duc Giang Primary School (Thượng Thanh branch), meals were delayed for multiple days, and a delivery truck was observed to have a dusty, uncleaned floor. In response, local authorities in Việt Hưng Ward terminated the contract with Huong Viet Sinh Co., Ltd. and transitioned to on-site cooking under strict supervision.

Other schools, such as Nguyễn Quý Đức Primary School and Trung Giã Primary School, reported delays attributed to vehicle breakdowns, traffic, or electrical issues. However, school leaders have noted a systemic problem: a single contractor winning bids for numerous schools despite lacking the operational capacity to manage the volume. This has led to widespread dissatisfaction among parents regarding both the timing and the nutritional value of the meals provided.