A Major Shift in School Dining Begins

Starting January 2026, students in 13 Singapore schools will bid farewell to traditional canteen vendors. Instead, meal options will come directly from caterers as these schools transition to a central kitchen model.

Why the Change?

This significant pivot arises from pressing challenges in recruiting stallholders. With competition from food courts and other culinary venues intensifying, many schools are struggling to fill canteen vacancies.

Who’s Cooking?

Five of the schools in the western region, including Dazhong Primary and Kranji Primary, will source their meals from Chang Cheng Mee Wah Food Industries. Meanwhile, Gourmetz will cater for schools in the south like CHIJ Kellock and Radin Mas Primary. Notably, Blangah Rise Primary will also switch to Gourmetz, adding to the company's roster.

The Central Kitchen Model Explained

The central kitchen initiative follows a successful pilot at Yusof Ishak Secondary School in 2022. Principal Chen Ziyang shared how their hybrid model blends central kitchen services with additional food options. Students can even use automated dispensers to quickly grab pre-ordered meals, cutting wait times drastically to just five minutes during peak hours.

Catering to Diversity and Health

Central kitchen operators are mandated to provide nutritious meals, adhering to strict pricing guidelines—no more than $2.70 for primary school lunches. As schools seek variety, Gourmetz and others aim to ensure that meal options are healthy and appealing.

Challenges Ahead for Smaller Schools

Despite the benefits, some schools are grappling with unique challenges. Northoaks Primary, for example, has enrollment numbers significantly lower than its peers, making it harder to attract vendors. Principal Melvin Cher points out that with rising ingredient costs, many canteen operators find it unsustainable to continue.

Contributing to a Sustainable Future

With some schools like Kranji Primary acknowledging declining enrollment, the central kitchen model serves not just as an immediate solution, but also as a way to prepare for future changes. They are actively working to help existing stallholders find new opportunities.

Innovations in Food Delivery

Schools adopting this model will benefit from innovative delivery systems, including vending machines that offer instant meal options like lasagna and fried rice. Each kitchen is equipped with automated terminals allowing students to conveniently retrieve meals with their EZ-link cards.

A Future of Possibilities

While the central kitchen model expands, the Ministry of Education reassures schools that they will continue to support the traditional Individual Stallholder System. This dual approach aims to enhance the dining experience while ensuring every student has access to delicious and nutritious meals.