In Umeå, Sweden, the local government is striving to make school meals healthier and more environmentally friendly, adhering to guidelines from the Food Agency. The initiative has resulted in a shift towards more organic and locally sourced foods, including a replacement of white rice with oat rice and an increasingly vegetarian menu. Parents, however, have voiced their concerns as children are reportedly less inclined to eat the altered meals, with some returning home hungry.

Among the concerned parents are Magnus and Eva-Lotta Ödmalm, whose son Rasmus often complained of hunger after school. They found out that other students had begun bringing their own lunches, which led them to send Rasmus with packed meals on days when the menu featured vegetarian options, fish, or soup. Rasmus expressed relief at the change, noting that eating his preferred foods allowed him to maintain his energy throughout the day.

In response to the criticism, schools have tried to maintain traditional options like meatballs and macaroni, but they've been advised against this by the Food Agency. Currently, only students with allergies or distinct dietary requirements can receive alternative meals. Eva-Lotta emphasizes the importance of providing foods known to appeal to children, indicating a need for greater variety in school menus to accommodate students' preferences while still aligning with health and environmental goals.