Expensive fun: primary school lunch now costs up to 6.20 euros!

Expensive fun: primary school lunch now costs up to 6.20 euros!

The city has announced that the prices for lunch at primary schools are increased by 40 percent. From the next school year, parents will have to pay up to 6.20 euros for lunch, which leads to intensive discussions about the price increase in the community. Despite a petition of parents who have spoken out against the increase, the decision remains. The debate about the catering costs at schools is far from complete, as Essen emphasized that from 2026 a legal right to all-day funding and support at primary schools will exist.

economic background

The price increase is part of a trend that can be observed in the entire industry. A survey by the Association of German School and KitaCaters (VDSKC) shows that 73 percent of school and daycareers increased their prizes in 2024 and 67 percent also expect further increases for 2025. Both personnel and food shopping represent the largest cost factors that lead to these price increases. On average, the total cost of food supply in 2024 rose by 11 percent compared to the previous year after the increase in 2023 was already 19 percent.

Currently, the average price for lunch at primary schools is around 4.60 euros. However, there are no uniform standards for the food prices, which can lead to significant differences in the costs. Some schools even require over 6 euros for their lunch, which is a significant financial burden, especially for families with low incomes. According to data from catering.de , 20 percent of the children do not take the offer because it is too expensive for them.

socio -economic effects

The rising prices for school catering particularly meet children from households with low incomes. Only 25 percent of these children take part, while 45 percent of medium and 48 percent from wealthy households participate in school meal. Almost a quarter of households at risk of poverty is affected by nutritional uncertainty, which further tightens the situation. While 69 percent of the pupils between the ages of 6 and 17 have the opportunity to use a warm school dinner, an increasing number of facilities records a decline in the meal participants, which increases the pressure on the school systems.

Overall, it can be seen that the discussion about the price increases of school -lunch not only revolves around economic aspects, but also about social responsibility that schools and municipalities have towards their students. The effects of these price increases will continue to be discussed in the coming months, while many parents take care of the financial burden.