At the time of the annual review, the school canteen stands out with its 200 meals per day, double the number of the previous year, prepared and served on site (four days a week) to nursery and primary school pupils, “nearly 90% of students”, explains Isabelle Diadhiou, deputy mayor responsible for school affairs. How can we explain the success of this service financed by the City and managed by three municipal employees, Maryline Peraldo, Nathalie Alaminos and Perrine Cabriere?
Costs on the rise
The first element of response, according to the elected officials, is the attractive price. The cost of the meal varies between €4.40 and €4.60. “This price has been the same since 2019, specifies the elected official. It is not easy to maintain it in this way despite inflation and the rising cost of energy.”
In total, 90 nursery school children are served at the table and the 110 primary school pupils go to the self-service.
Second element, the quality of the prepared dishes. “Everything is done on site and with the advice of a nutritionist. She ensures the right protein intake with or without meat.” One meat-free day is offered per week. Short supply chains are favored. “On the tables we find apricots from Bellegarde, melon from Beaucaire or even gardianne de taureau from Bellegarde and strawberries from Gallician or rice from Camargue, via the Mas des agriculteurs”, lists the assistant.
Third element, a canteen that respects food choices and promotes non-waste. The canteen respects the wishes of each student. Children are made aware of not wasting and of selective sorting. “My children don’t make any special comments to me and they don’t come back hungry,” naturally testifies Sébastien Coudre, parent of students.
The canteen will close its doors on Friday July 5.
Midi Libre correspondent: 06 20 30 06 97.
