Karlsruhe schools face lunch shortages due to staff shortages

Schools in Karlsruhe, Germany, are experiencing significant restrictions in their midday meal services. Due to a shortage of domestic staff responsible for food preparation, distribution, and kitchen cleaning, many schools have been forced to reduce their menu options to a single choice where organizationally possible.

The city administration confirmed that the decision was made on September 22, 2026, and has been in effect since September 24. The shortage is attributed to high rates of sickness-related absences at the start of the school year, combined with a hiring freeze and administrative changes resulting from budget stabilization measures. These factors have prevented the city from hiring sufficient replacement staff.

While primary schools remain largely unaffected, the restrictions are primarily impacting gymnasiums. One community school briefly had to close its cafeteria entirely, though service has since resumed with a limited menu. The city clarified that while staffing is an issue, there have been no cuts to the actual funding allocated for school catering.