Children unhappy with canteen food

HALF of secondary school children are dissatisfied with their lunchtime meal and leave the canteen still feeling hungry, a new survey has revealed.

Research by the Consommation, Logement et Cadre de Vie group found 48.5% of collège and lycée pupils did not enjoy the food served to them and 38% left most of the meal untouched.

One in five teenagers questioned said they spent more time queuing than eating, and 52.5% said they were still hungry after the lunch break.

The findings were better at primary level, where 70% of children enjoyed their lunch – but still 28.4% left the canteen wanting more food.

The research, published by Metro newspaper, is based on a poll of 1,400 school pupils of all ages.

Child behaviour expert Julie Lioré told the paper: "[The canteen] is a social moment where pupils can relax among friends. The meals must look nice – they are not going to touch something that looks like gruel or that smells too strong."

Some 84% of secondary pupils questioned said they would like their schools to ask them for menu ideas.