Noida School's 'No Non-Veg' Lunchbox Request Receives Flak From Parents, Principal Defends Move

A private school in Noida's sector 132 issued a circular to the parents, asking them not to pack non-vegetarian food in their children's lunchboxes.

A school’s no non-veg lunchbox request stirs debate on inclusivity. (Representative Image)

Source : Pexels

Noida: A private school in Noida asked parents not to pack non-vegetarian food in their children's lunchboxes. The school sent this message on WhatsApp to parents on Wednesday. After some people got upset, the school said it was just a request. The school also explained that non-vegetarian food cooked in the morning might get spoiled by lunchtime, which could be unhealthy for the children. That's why they asked parents to avoid packing non-veg food for lunch.

According to Hindustan Times, Supriti Chauhan, principal of Delhi Public School in Noida’s Sector 132, issued the controversial circular and urged parents to refrain from sending non-vegetarian items in their children’s tiffin, explaining that such "items get spoiled quickly due to hot and humid weather conditions". She also emphasised the school's intention to ensure the well-being of the students by preventing any potential health risks.

While some parents have supported the step, others have condemned it and said the circular amounts to restricting the “food choices” of their children. 

“Health and Safety: Non-vegetarian food, when cooked in the morning for lunchtime consumption, can pose serious health risks if not stored and handled properly, and we prioritize our students’ well-being,” the circular said.

“Inclusivity and Respect: Our school values diversity and promotes a culture of inclusivity. By maintaining a vegetarian food environment, we ensure that all students feel respected and comfortable, regardless of their dietary preferences or restrictions, while eating their meals together,” it added.

The school also said it values diversity and wants all students to feel included. They want students to be able to eat together, no matter what food they prefer. The goal is to create a comfortable environment for everyone. The school stressed that this was just a request, not a rule, a senior official mentioned.