"Two Tangerines as Snacks at Daycare, Is That Reasonable?" Parents' Stories and Authenticity Debate

'Two Tangerines' Provided as Snack at Daycare
"Taken While Eating" vs "Insufficient" Debate

A post by a parent complaining that the amount of snacks provided by their child’s daycare center differed from what was officially announced has become a hot topic.

Two tangerines actually served to the children.
[Photo by Online Community]

On the 9th, a post titled "Please take a look at the daycare snacks" was uploaded to an online community. The author, Mr. A, who is raising a 36-month-old child, expressed, "(The daycare snacks) seem insufficient," and said, "Even if they only give two tangerines, I don’t understand why the photo is exaggerated. My child is 36 months old and eats a whole tangerine, so does giving two tangerines make sense?"

Looking at the photos Mr. A posted along with the post, the tangerine shown in the photo posted for parents’ notice was peeled from the top and served whole, while the actual snack served consisted of only two tangerines. In some cases, even one tangerine was cut in half and served.

Netizens who saw the post responded negatively, saying things like, "Look for another daycare," "So that’s why the kids are always hungry even after snacks," "This might be worth reporting," and "If they give tangerines like that, check the condition of the other side dishes as well."

Snack photo announced to parents. It appears that one tangerine is served per person.
[Photo by Online Community]

On the other hand, some netizens commented, "Judging by the juice stains on the tray, it looks like the photo was taken after some eating," "They might have taken the photo while eating, so I don’t understand why they think only two tangerines were given," and "Don’t just listen to the child; contact the daycare to verify the facts."

Meanwhile, on the 7th, Director B of a national public daycare center in Sejong City, who was involved in a mass resignation of daycare teachers and a controversy over serving 3 kg of pork cutlet to 85 children, was sentenced to one year in prison. In June 2023, Director B faced an investigation after daycare teachers who collectively resigned due to conflicts over employment succession and operation issues claimed that "3 kg of pork cutlet was served to 85 children," raising suspicions of meal service corruption and cuts to teaching materials and supplies budgets.