Extending Central Kitchen Model Beyond Initial 13 Schools and Cost of Such Meals Compared to Cost under Traditional School Canteen Model

Ms Hany Soh asked the Minister for Education in respect of the central kitchen model that will be rolled out at 13 schools in January 2026 (a) whether the Ministry has studied the comparative costs of meals under the central kitchen model and traditional school canteen; and (b) whether there will be any financial assistance provided to students who require support.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) will assess whether to expand the central kitchen model beyond the initial 13 schools based on the outcomes of the implementation in these schools.

Specifically, we will monitor closely the operational efficiency, food quality, cost-effectiveness and student satisfaction at these schools. We will refine the model as necessary based on lessons learnt from this initial phase.

In the short to medium term, the existing Individual Stallholder System will be the dominant canteen model and MOE will continue to support schools operating under this model. We will consider the central kitchen model for schools that face genuine difficulties in engaging canteen vendors or have the prospect of many empty stalls. Any expansion of the central kitchen model to more schools will depend on the schools' needs, readiness and interest.

The central kitchen operators are required to provide at least one full meal priced at no more than $2.70 in primary schools and $3.60 in secondary schools. These are comparable to the meal prices charged by individual stallholders.

Students from lower-income families receiving MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) will have their meals paid for. They will continue to receive school meal subsidies that pay for at least seven meals per school week for primary level and 10 meals per school week for secondary level. Students who need additional assistance, including those who are not eligible for MOE FAS, can approach their schools for school-based assistance.

MOE will continue to work with schools to ensure students are well-nourished and to keep the food options affordable. We also thank our many stallholders for their dedicated services in serving our students and staff through the years. For the affected stall holders, we will continue to facilitate them to work in other schools or with the incoming operator.