Abu Dhabi Schools Embrace Healthier Cafeteria Menus
Abu Dhabi's Schools Embrace Healthier Menus in Cafeterias
Schools in Abu Dhabi are taking swift action to comply with new regulations banning unhealthy foods and promoting healthy eating. The measure aims to prioritize students' health and well-being, which is already resulting in significant changes in school menus and nutritional education.
Commitment to Healthier Menus
The Maplewood Canadian International School (MCIS) leadership has already begun transforming its cafeteria offerings. The President of the Parent Council stated that they are reviewing the school's menu with the aim of making significant changes in the coming weeks, targeting a complete transition by the next academic year.
High-sugar, salt, and fat-processed foods, such as sodas, chips, chocolates, and candies, will be removed from the cafeteria. They will be replaced with healthy alternatives, such as fresh fruit bowls, vegetable sticks with hummus, whole grain sandwiches, and salads.
MCIS also plans to introduce portion control and develop an allergy management system to ensure safe and nutritious eating options for all students. The school has informed parents about the new regulations and seeks their support in providing healthy meals at home as well.
Rapid Implementation in Schools
Ajyal International School has also taken immediate steps to meet the new standards. A member of the School Board mentioned that the school has already begun making changes and will switch entirely to healthy offerings within two weeks.
The new menu includes fresh fruits, whole grain snacks, and low-sugar beverages. The school is working with suppliers to source products that meet the regulations and is also retraining catering staff to follow healthy eating guidelines.
There will soon be clear labeling of allergens and recording of food-related data at the school. Previously, the institution offered sandwiches, pastries, and fruit juices, but the leadership recognized the necessity of aligning more closely with the new regulations.
Public Education Institutions Set an Example
Some public schools in Abu Dhabi have been offering exclusively healthy foods since the start of the academic year. A teacher from Hamdan bin Zayed School reported that the school has fully transitioned to healthy food options, including meals with white rice and vegetables, which are labeled with calorie information to help students make more conscious choices.
The school has also introduced a unique monitoring system: each classroom has a QR code that teachers can scan if they detect prohibited food with students. The data is instantly recorded, and parents are notified of the incident. In addition, motivational initiatives like a "most beautiful healthy breakfast" contest are helping involve parents.
Parents Relieved, But Students Not Always Happy
Numerous parents, including a mother of two, welcomed the decision, stating it eases the development of healthy eating habits for their children. However, she shared that her older son often complains about not preferring the healthy home-packed meals and wants to choose from the cafeteria offerings like his friends.
She believes the best solution would be for schools to completely eliminate cafeterias, so children can only consume food brought from home.
Summary
The rapid response and commitment by Abu Dhabi's schools to healthy eating mark a significant step in improving students' well-being. The transformation of school cafeterias, parental support, and educational programs contribute to long-term positive changes. While the transition may pose challenges, the initiative clearly serves the goal of a healthier lifestyle for future generations.
