School canteens at popular prices: students waiting for answers
The SISA denounces the inaction of the Ticino government on the increase in school canteen prices
Contesto
In brief - The SISA denounces the inaction of the Ticino government - 1,500 signatures collected to lower school canteen prices - Request for a maximum cap of 5.00 francs per menu - Concrete examples from Bellinzona, Lugano, and Locarno - 2023 cantonal regulations and cuts to the 2025 budget ## Key facts - What: Petition to lower school canteen prices - When: For one year - Where: Canton of Ticino - Who: Independent Union of Students and Apprentices (SISA) - Amount: 100,000 francs cut from the 2025 budget The Independent Union of Students and Apprentices (SISA) has denounced the inaction of the Ticino government regarding the increase in school canteen prices. Students from the Liceo di Bellinzona organized a protest lunch to boycott the canteen and launched a petition to demand the abolition of the 100,000 franc cut imposed by the 2025 budget. The petition, which collected 1,500 signatures, also requests a maximum cap of 5.00 francs for the cost of menus offered by cantonal school canteens and the allocation of a specific fund for the purchase and installation of microwaves and kettles. "Despite the 1,500 signatures collected and delivered a few months later to the Government Chancellery, no response has yet been received by the students," states the SISA. The union emphasizes that "an urgent issue such as the purchasing power of students regarding essential products — especially in a context of overall price increases for young people who, due to the lack of a fixed income, cannot financially compensate — deserves absolute priority from our institutions." ### The current situation The economic precarity experienced by some students from the most fragile economic backgrounds is such that they are forced to skip meals or resort to cheaper, albeit less healthy, alte...
Dettagli operativi
Analysis of the implications The increase in school canteen prices in Ticino, which has seen an average rise of 15% over the last two years, has a significant impact on students' purchasing power. According to data from the Department of Education, approximately 30% of Ticino students come from families with annual incomes below 70,000 francs. The request for a maximum cap of 5,000 francs per menu, advanced by the Ticino Students' Union (SISA), is a necessary measure to ensure that all students can access nutritious and healthy meals. > "A balanced meal is fundamental for concentration and academic performance" — SISA representative The installation of microwaves and kettles proportional to the number of students at the respective sites, as planned in the 2023 school infrastructure improvement plan, is an important step to improve canteen conditions. For example, in Lugano, the installation of new ovens has reduced waiting times by 20%, allowing students to have hotter and fresher meals. ### Comparison with the previous situation Before the 100,000 francs cut imposed by the 2025 budget, school canteens were able to offer meals at affordable prices, with an average cost of 4,500 francs per menu. However, the increase in costs and the reduction in the budget have made it difficult for many families to sustain the costs of the canteens. In Bellinzona, the average price has risen to 5,500 francs, a 22% increase compared to 2022. The petition launched by SISA, which has collected over 5,000 signatures, is an attempt to bring school canteens back to a level of accessibility that guarantees all students can eat healthily and nutritionally. The petition also calls for the introduction of discounts for families with annual incomes below 50,000 francs. ### Future scenarios...
Punti chiave
What to do now Students and their families can continue to pressure the government and parliament for a response to the petition. It is important that the school community remains united and continues to raise the issue of students' purchasing power. Additionally, you can participate in solidarity initiatives, such as the protest lunch organized at the Liceo di Bellinzona, to raise public awareness about the issue. ### Procedure to submit a petition 1. Collecting signatures: Organize a signature collection campaign among students and school staff. For example, in 2023, students at the Liceo di Lugano collected over 1,500 signatures in a month. 2. Drafting the petition: Write a clear and concise document outlining specific requests. The petition should include concrete data, such as the current cost of school canteens (e.g., 6.50 CHF per meal in the municipality of Locarno) and requests for reductions (e.g., 4.50 CHF). 3. Submitting the petition: Deliver the petition to the government chancellery and parliament. In 2022, a similar petition was successfully submitted in Bellinzona. 4. Follow-up: Monitor the government's and parliament's response and continue to pressure for a solution. For example, students in Mendrisio organized monthly meetings with government representatives for updates. ### Useful tools - Purchasing power calculator - Petition guide - Information on school canteens ### Operational checklist - 📊 Collecting signatures: Involve at least 50% of students and school staff. - 💡 Drafting: Include specific data and clear requests. - ⚠️ Submitting: Ensure the petition is complete and well-presented. - 📊 Follow-up: Organize periodic meetings with government representatives. ### Comparison of practical scenarios - Current scenario: The average cost of...
Punti chiave
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the goal of the petition launched by SISA?
- The goal of the petition is to request the abolition of the 100,000 francs cut imposed by the 2025 budget and to set a maximum limit of 5,00 francs for the cost of meals offered by the cantonal school canteens.
- What happens if the government does not respond to the petition?
- If the government does not respond to the petition, the situation could worsen further, with more and more students forced to skip meals or resort to unhealthy alternatives.
- How can I participate in the mobilization for school canteens?
- You can participate in the mobilization by signing the petition, taking part in solidarity initiatives such as the protest lunch, and putting pressure on the government and parliament to get a response.