Mortara implements simplified school meals for unpaid canteen fees

The administration in Mortara, in the province of Pavia, has implemented a new policy for students whose families have not paid school canteen fees. Under this measure, students with outstanding debts are served a 'light menu' consisting of plain pasta and white meat, which may also include fruit and vegetables.

Mayor Fabio Farina stated that the strategy aims to encourage parents to settle arrears by having children react to a less appealing menu. Local officials noted that many payment issues stem from a failure to update ISEE documentation or simple oversight. Vice-mayor Elio Pecchenino emphasized that the administration will not leave children without food, but parents must contact social services to regularize their status or report economic difficulties.

School services counselor Cinzia De Biase added that registration offices have remained open throughout September to accommodate new arrivals and those who missed previous deadlines. The administration intends to evaluate cases individually for those with low ISEE scores to ensure nutritional needs and allergies are addressed.