All the food we offer in the school lunch service is prepared on the same day in the Ikastola kitchen. We obtain our ingredients through two channels: on the one hand, Ausolan supplies the kitchen. On the other, once a week we receive local, seasonal organic food through Elikaenea —currently vegetables and yoghurt—.

We are currently fully immersed in a process of transforming the school lunch model. On the one hand, we are working on food supply, following the Km 0 philosophy. On the other, we are exploring ways to deepen the idea of home-style lunches, combining the nutritional balance of menus with children’s satisfaction. Ultimately, we are building a project to promote what is known in English as slow food.

The aim is clear, but the path is not easy. A balance must be achieved between the viability of the service and the goals of the project. Along this path, we are visiting and learning about school lunch projects in other schools, in search of a formula that may be useful for Aranzadi.

ALLERGIES AND OTHER DIETARY OPTIONS

In the Ikastola kitchen, we manage a wide range of intolerances and allergies, and we offer students a safe lunch so that their health is protected. We also accommodate diets based on ideas and beliefs, so that lunchtime itself is inclusive for everyone.

GENERAL CRITERIA

• Work on autonomy —use of cutlery, use of the napkin, handwashing…—.
• Do not force children to eat; encourage them.
• Use exemplary and educational language, avoiding “baby talk” —“txitxi”, “a papa”…—.
• Eating is a basic right. It will not be used as either a reward or a punishment.
• Promote the use of Basque.
• Use the child’s name to strengthen affective and emotional bonds.
• Respect diversity among children, taking different rhythms and personalities into account.
• To create a pleasant atmosphere, act with cooperation and companionship.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Any student who needs it may use the service, either throughout the school year or on individual days, as needed. Anyone wishing to use the service on a non-permanent basis must notify the office one day in advance, before 13:00.

The lunch room has capacity for 106 students, and students currently have lunch in three shifts:

• 1st shift 12:30 - 13:15 | EI 2-5 and EP 1-3.
• 2nd shift 13:15 - 13:55 | EP 4-6.
• 3rd shift 14:00 - 14:30 | Secondary Education.