Healthy Bites, Closed Doors: Why Our School’s Nutritious Canteen Was Shut Down

For many students at Shikha Academy, lunchtime has always been more than just a break, it’s a time to refuel, socialize, and enjoy the food that keeps them energized through long school hours. Biryani, pav bhaji, dosa, idli, every student has their own favourites, and their answers reveal more than just taste, they show how teenagers relate to food, especially now that the school canteen has been closed.

Interviews with students show how personal taste, habits, and cultural preferences shape their relationship with food. Allayna, a Grade 9 student, says she enjoys healthy meals but prefers food that energizes her for school.

“Students sometimes don’t finish their meals because portions are too big or they don’t like the taste,” she explains.

Arya shared that while she initially thought the canteen closure would make life easier, since she didn’t enjoy some vegetables, she soon realized the practical challenges it posed for her family.

“At first, I was happy, but later my mother faced issues managing my meals in the morning,” she says.

Ankit highlights the cultural connection in food preferences.

“I love dosa and idli with chutney because it connects me to my South Indian traditions,” he says.

For him, taste and cultural familiarity both matter in choosing what to eat.

The canteen closure meant extra effort at home. Dharmi, a Grade 9 student, explains how her mother had to wake up earlier to prepare meals daily.

“The main challenge was time management,” she says.

Despite this, parents see the value in providing nutritious food and guiding teens toward better eating habits, even if it requires adjusting their schedules.

Research shows that teenagers’ eating habits are influenced by taste, texture, portion size, and convenience. According to the Journal of Adolescent Health, teens are more likely to choose foods they enjoy, even when healthier options are available. This explains why students sometimes leave meals unfinished, despite understanding the nutritional value.

Interviews also revealed a sense of responsibility among students. Dharmi mentions that she avoids wasting food because she knows others go without, showing that many teens value food beyond just taste.

When the school clarified the reasons for closing the canteen, it was linked to concerns about food wastage and portion sizes. Students, however, offered ideas for improvement if it reopens:

• Enhancing the taste and seasoning of meals to appeal to teenagers’ palates.

• Adjusting textures and cooking methods, especially for staples like chapati and vegetables.

• Offering a variety of culturally diverse foods to cater to different preferences.

• Considering portion sizes and pricing strategies that are suitable for students.

Balancing Nutrition, Waste, and Academics

When asked to share a personal food memory, Principal Snehal Joshi recalled with a smile:

“My mom used to give me bread with white butter and sugar on it. That’s probably the most unhealthy food I had as a child. I loved it then, and I still crave it, but I don’t eat it anymore.”

Snehal, the Founder Principal of Shikha Academy, explained how the decision to close the canteen came about. The school initially offered simple, healthy meals like roti with sabji or rice with dal. But as the student body grew, food wastage became a serious concern.

“On Fridays, when pav bhaji was served, wastage wasn’t a problem. But on other days, children would hide food or throw it in the dustbin,” she recalled.

Even after awareness sessions on nutrition and food waste, the problem persisted. Snehal consulted parents, and together they decided that students would bring tiffins from home instead. To support families, she shared weekly menu suggestions with options for both short and long breaks, something parents continue to request during PTAs and orientations.

She also highlighted the financial perspective. Shikha Academy provides 100% scholarships to all its students, with the school covering nearly 95% of costs.

“Our focus has to remain on quality education. If parents can manage tiffins, and 95% supported this in our survey, it makes sense to prioritize academics rather than running a canteen,” she explained.

The canteen’s closure highlighted the delicate balance between promoting healthy eating and meeting students’ taste preferences. Teens’ relationships with food are shaped by culture, personal taste, parental guidance, and peer influence. Understanding these perspectives can help create meals that are both nutritious and enjoyable, reducing food wastage and fostering positive eating habits.

Together, these voices, from students, parents, and school leadership, show that food is more than just sustenance. It is a mirror of culture, responsibility, and the values a school chooses to nurture.

Written by Neha Das