A word about boarding school food!

 

The biggest complaint I hear from UK school returnees is that that the food is a but ropey. Comment of the year from a student has to be 'the best food is their fish and chips and even that isn't very good'! 

 Face it, school food is never going to be the last word in gourmet but schools do go to great lengths to make sure it that the offerings are wide ranging and can cater to different tastes.  

If you are getting constant complaints, rather than shipping over a year's supply of 公仔面, try these steps: 

1: See for yourself -  ask to see daily menus. These may be accessible on the school portal or the House parent can send them over. Is there really nothing edible? There is generally fruit available in house and some houses also have mini-kitchens for older students. 

2: Ask what your child is eating now. They might tell you and you will have clues based on your knowledge of what they eat and what is being served. If in doubt, speak to the House parent. Most schools keep an eye out as eating disorders can spread like wildfire.  

3:  Is there a student food committee (yes, there always is). Can your child join or at least have their voice heard? 

4: Before they go, start talking to your child so they are aware that there are differences. Staying in a hotel in the UK and eating out is not the same as being in one site and having to adapt to a school diet. Breakfast is generally not a problem, the challenge comes at lunch time as our HK and Chinese students are used to eating hot (or cooked) food which may only give them a couple of options. 

If you are going to a school with in-house dining, there may be a single option. Check first. 

When you have looked into the problem and have an idea of where the issues lie, do speak to your school. The last thing any school wants is unhappy students and a decent diet makes such a difference.  

By the way, forget good rice. In my experience, any rice served will be Basmati and is generally woeful!