School meal prices rise at the start of the academic year

The start of the school year has brought increased costs for parents, particularly regarding school meal programs. In Bulgaria, the price of a single meal coupon is approaching 4 euros in some areas, with daily costs for lunch and afternoon snacks potentially exceeding 7 euros.

In Sofia, price variations are notable. At the 104th Zahari Stoyanov Primary School, standard coupon prices rose from 3.07 euros last year to 3.40 euros, while alternative menu options increased from 3.68 to 3.90 euros. Some schools have seen even sharper increases, jumping from 2.50 euros to 4 euros per coupon.

While some parents find these prices acceptable compared to external dining options, school administrators report challenges. A primary issue is that many children find the healthy, regulated meals unpalatable due to strict nutritional and safety standards enforced by the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency and the Sofia Regional Health Inspectorate. Schools can provide lists of socially disadvantaged children to receive meals at the supplier's expense.