Mdm Halimah Yacob says school meals ‘look good’, recalls simpler food during her school days
Former President Halimah Yacob has weighed in on the recent debate surrounding pre-packed school meals, saying the food “looks good” and reminding Singaporeans that school meals used to be far simpler.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday (7 Jan), Mdm Halimah responded to the discussion sparked by photos of pre-packed meals allegedly served to students at Hwa Chong Institution (HCI).
Source: Halimah Yacob on Facebook
“The food looks good to me. Must be recalling old memories when I was in school,” she wrote.
“The meals were much simpler, choices limited and portions smaller, partly because I didn’t have much money too.”
Her comments came amid growing scrutiny of centrally prepared or pre-packed meals in schools, with netizens questioning both their nutritional value and appearance.
Online debate over school meals
The discussion began after a Reddit user shared photos last Saturday (3 Jan) of meals said to be provided to secondary school students at HCI, with some commenters criticising the food’s presentation.
Source: u/taenyfan95 on Reddit
One netizen remarked that the meals “look worse than cookhouse food”, while others raised concerns about whether pre-packed meals could meet students’ nutritional needs or replace the traditional school canteen experience.
The debate has unfolded alongside the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) rollout of the Central Kitchen Meal Model (CKMM), which aims to address challenges in recruiting and retaining school canteen vendors by centrally preparing meals for selected schools.
Although HCI is not among the 13 schools slated to adopt CKMM from 2026, it became part of the conversation after the images circulated online.
Source: hwachong.official on Instagram
Hwa Chong clarifies its hybrid canteen model
On the same day as Mdm Halimah’s post, HCI addressed the issue via an Instagram post.
The school said parents from both the High School and College Sections had visited the canteen to better understand food options available to students.
Source: hwachong.official on Instagram
As part of a review of its hybrid canteen model, representatives from the Parents Support Groups and the High School Students’ Council sampled bento meals and reviewed menus together with canteen partner SATS.
According to the school, parents and students were able to assess portion sizes and variety, provide feedback, and view live food stalls that continue to operate alongside the bento offerings.
Source: hwachong.official on Instagram
The bento meals are served in reusable containers, which the school said support food safety and sustainability efforts.
“We appreciate the continued support and constructive feedback from our school community,” the school wrote.
“As we work closely with our partners to provide students with a positive and well-balanced dining experience.”
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Featured image adapted from Halimah Yacob on Facebook and u/taenyfan95 on Reddit.
