Noida: A private school in Uttar Pradesh’s Noida has come under sharp criticism after it asked parents not to pack non-vegetarian food for their children’s lunch, citing health and hygiene concerns. The school management said that it only wanted to ensure that every student can have their lunch together irrespective of their food preferences.
‘No non-veg food’ request sparks row
The school in Sector-132 sent a message to parents on WhatsApp on Wednesday, asking them not to give non-vegetarian food items in the tiffin boxes. As the message sparked outrage among parents, the school management clarified that it was only a “request” and not a “directive”.
The school management in its message said that when non-vegetarian food is cooked in the morning for lunch, there is a possibility of it getting spoiled. It can be harmful to health, said the message that asked parents not to pack non-vegetarian food in their children’s lunchboxes.
The message also said the school values diversity and inclusiveness of students. So that all students can sit together and eat their meals irrespective of their food preferences, the focus is on providing a environment in which everyone feels comfortable.
School’s clarification
Following a massive row over the request, the school management clarified that it only made a request and not issued any directive or banned non-vegetarian food items.
“We have written to the parents requesting that students should not bring non-vegetarian food items to school. This is not a diktat, but only a request. There is no ban, no directive, no advisory but only a respectful request,” the principal of the school clarified.
