Since the start of the 2026 school year, disadvantaged schools in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation have been serving fewer free hot meals. A survey by the Family League and the École à table association, reported by 7sur7, reveals a 68% decrease in access to these meals in the affected schools. This figure is based on responses from 169 schools, out of the 330 that previously benefited from the program; it therefore does not reflect the situation of all schools or that of every child.
A decrease reported by the responding schools
The survey was conducted from September 4th to 24th. According to information published by 7sur7, the Family League and École à table attribute this decline to the end of the specific free meal program at the start of the school year. The 68% figure refers to access to hot meals in the disadvantaged schools surveyed; it does not mean that 68% of the students concerned no longer eat lunch, nor that all schools have eliminated their cafeterias.
The results should be interpreted with this limitation in mind: 169 of the 330 participating schools responded. They provide an indication of the difficulties faced by some schools, but do not constitute a comprehensive picture of the situation across the entire Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
Targeted free access allows for more choices for schools
The change does not constitute a general ban on offering free meals. The Government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation indicates that, starting in the 2026-2027 school year, schools with differentiated support programs can use their operating funds to finance free meals, among other options. Funding is therefore no longer organized in the same way by the specific program: the practical arrangements now depend on the choices of each individual school.
For families, this can translate into different situations from one school to another: continued free meals, paid meals, or no hot meals at all. The decrease reported by the survey highlights this disparity, but does not, on its own, allow us to know what solution is offered in a specific school.
What can parents check?
If lunchtime costs are a significant expense for the family budget, the best course of action is to contact the school directly to inquire about available options this year. Parents can check whether a hot meal is still offered, whether it’s free or costs money, and if the school is aware of any support programs or alternatives. Since arrangements can vary from school to school, it’s best to get an answer directly from the school administration rather than relying on information from another school.
The issue isn’t just about the price displayed: the discontinuation of a hot meal can also force families to reorganize their child’s lunch. However, the published survey doesn’t detail the solutions adopted by each school or the consequences for individual children. It primarily encourages families to check locally what is actually offered.
Main source: 7sur7:family (www.7sur7.be)
Original article: See the original source
Author: M.BO.
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