Larnaca, Cyprus. Adjustments have been made to the government’s pilot “Breakfast for All” programme after parents raised concerns over meal quality and portion sizes. The scheme currently provides free breakfast to about 3,600 children in public kindergartens in Larnaca and Famagusta district.
Programme rollout
The pilot phase covers approximately 2,600 children in Larnaca and another 1,000 in Famagusta. The initiative was introduced following a cabinet decision as part of the government’s 2026 programme.
Parents’ concerns
Concerns emerged shortly after the scheme began when photographs circulated showing pre-cut fruit in single-use plastic containers and breakfast portions that some parents considered inadequate.
The response led Education Minister Athena Michaelidou to visit a school unit to assess the situation directly and review feedback from those involved.
Changes introduced
Speaking to Alpha TV on Thursday, preschool parents’ association leader Tasos Savva said improvements had already been introduced following discussions with the authorities.
He said fruit is now distributed without being cut, after complaints that it had been arriving discoloured and was less appealing to children.
Savva added that breakfast quantities had also been adjusted after concerns were raised about portion sizes.
Further proposals
While welcoming the changes, Savva said further improvements were needed to increase acceptance among pupils.
He said muffins should either be removed from the menu or offered only once a week, describing them as one of the least popular options among children.