Meal subsidy for student restaurants must be increased

Press release
17 June 2022
For immediate release

Meal subsidy for student restaurants must be increased

The economic situation has made the operating conditions of the student restaurants very critical. Inflation has raised prices significantly, but the restaurants can’t raise their prices to compensate as they are tied to the maximum price set by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The Student Union of Åbo Akademi University is concerned about the restaurants operating conditions and above all the possibility to be able to offer student meals in the future.

There is a risk that it will not be possible to open up all the student restaurants in the autumn, which in turn means that students will not be able to have lunch during the day. When students finally get to return to campus after two long years at a distance, there is an increased need to bring good and healthy routines into everyday life.

Students’ financial situation is tight from the beginning, which gives few opportunities for students to make savings. Students’ biggest expenses are housing and food – the only thing students can cut from in the long run is in food costs. At the same time, it is clear that a healthy and varied diet is a basic prerequisite for feeling good and maintaining a good study ability. The student meals also provide an important opportunity for students to spend time with their fellow students, something that is really needed now after the pandemic.

The goal of Kelas meal subsidy is to lay a foundation for healthy eating habits and well-being, as well as to promote university students study ability and energy. If meal subsidy can’t be increased, the quality of the food will deteriorate and there is a risk that the restaurants will have to close down their operations.

Student well-being has worsened significantly during the pandemic – we can’t allow the basic security that the student meals offer to end. An immediate increase in the meal subsidy is required to be able to guarantee student meals in the future as well.

For more information:
Veera Granroth
Chair of the Board
The Student Union of ÅAU
+358 50 401 3524
so@studentkaren.fi