Gyeonggi Office of Education to Expand Autonomous Meal Selection to 750 Locations by 2026

Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education is announcing the autonomous choice meal promotion plan on the 17th at Dongtan Middle School in Hwaseong.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education will increase the number of schools operating autonomous choice meal programs to 750 by 2026.

On the 17th, the Office announced the 'Plan to Expand the Autonomous Choice Meal Policy' at Dongtan Middle School in Hwaseong City, stating that the number of schools with meal programs, currently at 250, will be expanded to 750 by 2026.

To expand the autonomous choice meal policy, the Office plans to promote ▲ strengthening the policy and establishing a customized support system ▲ supporting the stable settlement of schools operating autonomous choice meals ▲ enhancing promotion and policy research ▲ managing and operating performance of autonomous choice meals.

Meanwhile, in a satisfaction survey on major policies related to the 2nd anniversary achievements of Gyeonggi education conducted on the 24th of last month, 71% of Gyeonggi residents responded that they are satisfied with the autonomous choice meal program.

In particular, to ensure smooth implementation of the autonomous choice meal program, the Office will establish a policy advisory group, expand the professional support team, operate policy implementation research groups, conduct policy research, and run region-centered mentor schools.

Additionally, to expand and restructure the autonomous choice meal policy, efforts will be made to reduce workload and strengthen capabilities of nutrition teachers, nutritionists, and cooking staff involved in autonomous choice meals, as well as to operate policy forums and symposiums, and enhance participation of students, parents, and schools in school meal policies.

Gal In-seok, Director of the School Meal and Health Division at the Office of Education, said, "Autonomous choice meals represent a major shift from a supplier-centered to a consumer-centered new school meal system," adding, "We will operate school meals based on school autonomy that respects students, builds trust with parents, and allows meal-related personnel to feel a sense of mission and pride, creating a happy policy that satisfies and respects the entire community."