Translation result
A policy proposal seeks to close regional disparities in school meal programs across Gyeonggi Province and improve the working conditions of school food-service staff.
On May 11, Gyeonggi Food Solidarity held a press conference at the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly to present food and school-meal policy recommendations to candidates for governor and education superintendent ahead of the June 3 local elections. The group said the proposals are intended to protect residents’ right to health and to prompt a comprehensive transformation of the school meal system.
Participation in eco-friendly school meal programs currently stands at roughly 65% in middle schools and 25% in high schools across the province. The coalition identified recent changes to procurement bidding, regional disparities in meal quality, and inequitable staffing standards for kitchen workers as key problems.
They noted that, unlike South Jeolla (Jeonnam) and the Chungcheong region—where local governments fully cover the additional cost of eco-friendly ingredients—Gyeonggi still relies on joint purchasing, leaving it with comparatively weaker policy support.
The coalition put forward five core policies: implementing 100% free eco-friendly meals, transitioning to climate-friendly eco menus, expanding education on ecological diets, improving dining environments and worker conditions, and establishing participatory governance for school meals.
Specific proposals include adopting a \”five-free\” meal standard that excludes GMOs, radioactive contamination, pesticide residues, antibiotics, and synthetic chemical additives. The group also recommended joint funding mechanisms among the provincial government, the education office, and municipal governments to narrow disparities, and urged the introduction of carbon-reduction criteria for school meals to promote a standardized model.
Securing funding through cooperation with local governments and resolving conflicts over private outsourcing arrangements remain outstanding challenges.
Meanwhile, candidates for education superintendent have been active. During his previous term, candidate Lim Tae-hee expanded the number of schools offering optional meal plans to 564, broadening student choice. Candidate Ahn Min-seok has made expanding eco-friendly meals and improving kitchen safety and hygiene central campaign promises.
/Reporter Ko Ryun-hyung krh0830@incheonilbo.com
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