# Hanoi school boarding meal quality controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hanoi-school-boarding-meal-quality-controversy > Updated: 2026-09-10T22:54:00.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3. At the start of the 2026-2027 school year, Hanoi school boarding meals initially received praise for nutritional quality and low cost. However, the situation shifted following reports of inadequate nutrition and insufficient portions at several facilities, specifically Trung Gia Primary School. Parents raised concerns over meals valued at 40,000 VND per portion—which include a 28,000 VND municipal subsidy—that reportedly consisted only of rice, bean sprouts, minced meat, and a single small meat skewer. In response, Hanoi authorities launched investigations into meal management in areas including Trung Gia, Bo De, and Thanh Oai. Corrective measures included replacing providers at Nguyen Quy Duc and Kim Bai Primary Schools. Despite these efforts, significant logistical challenges persist. Recent reports indicate that meals at some locations, such as the Thuong Thanh campus of Duc Giang Primary School, were delivered several hours late. Newer reports highlight a systemic issue where a single contractor winning bids for numerous schools lacks the operational capacity to manage the volume, leading to widespread delays that sometimes push meal times as late as 2:00 PM. At Duc Giang Primary School (Thượng Thanh branch), a delivery truck was observed to have a “dusty, uncleaned floor.” In response to these specific failures, local authorities in Việt Hưng Ward terminated the contract with Huong Viet Sinh Co., Ltd., transitioning to on-site cooking under strict supervision. Other schools, including Nguyễn Quý Đức and Trung Giã, have attributed delays to vehicle breakdowns, traffic, or electrical issues. ## Claims - Hanoi Department of Education and Training issued a directive on September 9 to strengthen boarding meal management. (disputed by 2 sources) - Hanoi City Party Committee issued document 1212-CV/TU on September 9 to investigate school meal management issues. (disputed) - Parents at Trung Gia Primary School reported inadequate meal quality and quantity. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The cost of a boarding meal at Trung Gia Primary School is 40,000 VND. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Hanoi authorities are investigating reports of late meal deliveries in Thanh Oai and Trung Gia. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Nguyen Quy Duc Primary School replaced its meal provider after reports of late deliveries. (single source) - Kim Bai Primary School will resume boarding meals on September 11 after finding a new provider. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Hanoi schools face meal delivery delays and quality issues Hanoi schools are struggling with school meal disruptions, including late deliveries and poor hygiene, leading to contract terminations and calls for stricter oversight of food providers. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hanoi-schools-face-meal-service-issues-and-provider-termination ### 2026-09-08: Hanoi authorities investigate school boarding meal quality and delays Hanoi officials are investigating school boarding meal quality and delivery delays following parent complaints about inadequate nutrition and late lunches at several primary schools. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hanoi-officials-investigate-substandard-school-meals-at-trung-gia-b-primary-school ### 2026-09-06: Hanoi school meals gain praise for nutrition and low cost Hanoi parents are praising affordable and nutritious school boarding meals costing around 12,000 VND, supported by new city policies for the 2026-2027 school year. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hanoi-school-meals-gain-praise-for-nutrition-and-low-cost --- Cite as: Hanoi school boarding meal quality controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hanoi-school-boarding-meal-quality-controversy