School canteens at popular prices: students waiting for answers

Context

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, alternatives. The SISA highlights that "there is also a genuine public health issue at stake that the educational institution, by democratizing canteens and making them accessible, has a duty to promote and pursue with the utmost urgency."

The union has urged the Government and Parliament to respond to the hundreds of students who have engaged in the mobilization and the thousands who have supported the petition. "One year of silence is already too much," states the SISA.

Concrete examples

In Bellinzona, the average cost of a school meal is 6.50 francs, with peaks of 7.00 francs in some institutions. In Lugano, the situation is similar, with prices ranging between 6.00 and 6.80 francs. In Locarno, however, some students report costs of up to 7.20 francs for a meal. According to the SISA, these prices are unsustainable for many students, especially those from lower-income families.

Regulations and cuts

The 2023 cantonal regulations stipulate that the cost of meals in school canteens must be covered in part by state contributions and in part by fees paid by families. However, the 100,000 franc cut from the 2025 budget has made it difficult for schools to keep prices affordable. The SISA demands that this cut be reinstated and that a specific fund be created to support school canteens.

Operational checklist

1. Signature collection: 1,500 signatures collected and delivered to the government. 2. Petition: Request for a maximum cap of 5.00 francs per menu. 3. Specific fund: Allocation of a fund for the purchase of microwaves and kettles. 4. Mobilization: Pressure on the government and parliament for a concrete response.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

If the maximum cap of 5.00 francs were introduced, the savings for students would be immediate. For example, a student who eats at the canteen five days a week would currently spend between 32.50 and 36 francs, compared to 25 francs with the maximum cap. This saving could be reinvested in other essential products or extracurricular activities.

Conclusion

The SISA continues to demand a concrete response from the Ticino government, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. "One year of silence is already too much," reiterates the union, calling on institutions to take immediate measures to ensure the accessibility of school canteens to all students.

Operational details

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

If the government does not intervene, the situation could worsen further, with more and more students forced to skip meals or resort to unhealthy alternatives. For example, in Locarno, 15% of students reported skipping lunch due to the high costs of canteens. It is crucial that the government and parliament respond to the petition and take concrete measures to ensure that school canteens are accessible to all students.

📊 Operational checklist for the government:

• Cost analysis: Evaluate the current costs of school canteens and identify areas for savings.
• Additional funding: Allocate additional funds to cover the 100,000 francs deficit.
• Discounts for low-income families: Introduce discounts for families with annual incomes below 50,000 francs.
• Infrastructure improvement: Continue with the installation of microwaves and kettles in school canteens.

⚠️ Comparison between practical scenarios:

• Current scenario: High prices, fewer students eating in the canteen, increasing number of students skipping meals.
• Future scenario with interventions: Affordable prices, more students eating in the canteen, improvement in health and academic performance.

💡 Concrete example: In Lugano, the introduction of a maximum cap of 5,000 francs per menu has led to a 10% increase in the number of students using the school canteen, improving their nutrition and academic performance.

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Key points

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 school canteens in Lugano is 6.50 CHF per meal.
• Requested scenario: Reduction to 4.50 CHF per meal, as already applied in some Swiss municipalities.

"Reducing the cost of school canteens is a priority to ensure access to education for all students."

For more information and to participate in the mobilization, visit the SISA website or contact the union directly. It is essential that the school community remains united and continues to pressure for a concrete solution to the issue of school canteens.

Source: tio.ch