Urk Schools Consider Ending Warm Lunch Tradition

School board Rehoboth in Urk, Netherlands, is considering ending the traditional midday warm meal for elementary students. For generations, residents of Urk have eaten a warm meal around 1 p.m., influencing local business hours and community life. The school board argues the current schedule limits opportunities for modern education and wants to create a continuous school day with meals served at school.

Many parents worry about the impact on a deeply rooted cultural practice. Gijs van der Lee notes the town’s routines—shops closing, vibrant community groups—all align with the school lunch hour. Culinair historian Lizet Kruyff explains the tradition stems from a time when most people ate a warm midday meal, a practice Urk largely maintained.

Director Arend Eilander will present a new proposal in June, but remains cautious about the discussion. Some students, like the daughter of Mirna and Gijs van der Lee, are open to eating at school, even if it means bringing a warm sandwich. The board acknowledges the change requires careful consideration and continues to evaluate options.