# Nutrition guidance for Turkish school meals > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nutrition-guidance-for-turkish-school-meals > Updated: 2026-10-03T13:34:00.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. Nutrition experts in Turkey have provided guidance regarding healthy dietary habits for students, focusing on both institutional canteen regulations and individual meal preparation. Professor Müge Arslan of Üsküdar University evaluated updated criteria for school canteen foods, noting that such regulations serve as preventive measures against childhood obesity and chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. She recommended replacing white flour with whole grains, using olive oil instead of solid fats, and substituting sugary sodas with options like ayran or kefir. Complementing these institutional standards, Dr. Öğr. Üyesi İlayda Altuncevahir of Bahçeşehir University offered advice for parents preparing school lunch boxes. She emphasized a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, suggesting homemade items like eggs and cheese over pastries such as poğaça or börek. Additionally, she highlighted food safety concerns, advising that items requiring a cold chain be stored in refrigerators or insulated lunch boxes to maintain safety until lunchtime. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-03: Nutrition expert provides guidance on school lunch preparation Nutrition expert İlayda Altuncevahir advises parents to prepare balanced school lunches with proteins and warns about food safety and the need for proper storage of cold-chain items. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nutrition-expert-provides-guidance-on-school-lunch-preparation ### 2026-10-03: Nutrition expert evaluates new school canteen food criteria Professor Müge Arslan discusses updated school canteen food criteria, emphasizing that healthy childhood eating habits are vital for preventing obesity and chronic diseases in adulthood. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nutrition-expert-evaluates-new-school-canteen-food-criteria --- Cite as: Nutrition guidance for Turkish school meals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nutrition-guidance-for-turkish-school-meals