In the fall of 2017, the municipality of Växjö decided to gradually stop serving rice at the schools. Two years later, almost all rice is excluded and only occurs when rice is a must and is included as the main ingredient, for example in the "fried rice" dish.

And the decision to phase out the rice is mainly based on two reasons.

- Rice has a greater climate impact. It consumes a lot of water and is not grown in Sweden. But it is also a healthier product, we know today that children and young people should not eat rice as often and then we can help by not serving it so often. We want to take our responsibility and do our part in this, ”says Anneli Ekstedt, Head of Operations The Meal Organization in Växjö Municipality

Comments from students and parents

The rice has been replaced with potatoes, pasta, bulgur and wheat. But the decision to exclude the rice did not go unnoticed. Both students and parents had views on the more climate-smart meals.

- At first, many had views on the food. They were a little above and there were new types of dishes that were served, so we went out and talked a lot with students and had a lot of parental advice. I talked to one of the chefs today who told us that it is about as much food wheat as it was for rice, says Anneli Ekstedt.

Great demand for food wheat

Now the schools and the municipality feel that the students have become accustomed to not being served rice anymore and may even like it.

- We just have a hard time getting just the wheat from our supplier because demand has become so great.