"Soup and Tray" and Your Child's School Canteen: What DepEd Policies Actually Say

Parents often encounter various fees and contributions in schools, and sometimes, questions arise about their legitimacy.

One such query that occasionally surfaces pertains to a "mandatory fee" for specific school snacks, sometimes colloquially referred to as "soup and tray." This explainer aims to clarify whether the Department of Education (DepEd) mandates or allows such compulsory charges for school canteen items.

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The Short Answer: No Mandatory "Soup and Tray" Fee

Simply put, there is no DepEd rule or policy that mandates a specific fee for school snacks like "soup and tray," or any particular food item, as a compulsory charge for students. DepEd's comprehensive guidelines for school canteens are geared towards ensuring healthy, affordable, and optional food choices, not imposing required purchases.

RELATED: Controversy Brews Over Mandatory Canteen Fees in Taguig-Pateros Schools

What DepEd's Canteen Policies Emphasize

The Department of Education has clear directives regarding the operation of school canteens in public elementary and secondary schools. These policies prioritize student welfare, health, and transparency:

Healthy Food Choices (DepEd Order No. 13, s. 2017)

This order outlines strict guidelines on the types of food and beverages that can be sold in school canteens. Foods are categorized into "Green" (always available, healthy), "Yellow" (to be served carefully, limited), and "Red" (strictly prohibited, unhealthy).

The primary goal is to promote and develop healthy eating habits among learners by making nutritious and affordable choices available.

The focus is on offering healthy options, not forcing consumption of any specific item.

Affordability and Service Over Profit (DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2007)

This order states that "Service should be the main consideration for operating a school canteen. Profit shall only be secondary since the clientele are pupils/students who are dependent only on their meager allowance from their parents."

It specifies that canteen prices should not exceed prevailing local prices, ensuring affordability.

While proceeds from canteen operations are allocated for student welfare programs and school funds, these proceeds come from voluntary purchases, not mandatory fees for specific items.

No Mandatory Contributions (DepEd Orders 19, s. 2008; 41, s. 2012; and Memo 143, s. 2016)

More broadly, DepEd has a standing "No Collection Policy" that prohibits mandatory contributions or fees from students, especially during enrollment and the first few months of classes. While certain voluntary contributions are allowed later in the school year for specific purposes (like school publications or scouting), these are strictly optional and cannot be a basis for non-admission, non-promotion, or withholding of student records.

The spirit of these policies extends to daily school operations, implying that students should not be compelled to purchase specific items from the canteen. Parents are also encouraged to provide packed meals ("baon") for their children.

If You Encounter a Mandatory "Soup and Tray" Fee

Should your child's school implement a mandatory fee for a specific canteen item like "soup and tray," it would likely be inconsistent with DepEd's established policies. Here's what you can do:

Seek Clarification from the School: Politely inquire with the school administration (e.g., the principal or canteen manager) about the basis for the mandatory fee. Ask if there's a specific DepEd order or local school board resolution that authorizes it.

Refer to DepEd Guidelines: If the school cannot provide a valid basis or if the explanation seems to contradict DepEd's general policies, you can refer to the official DepEd Orders yourself.

Escalate the Concern: If the issue remains unresolved or if the school insists on the mandatory fee without proper authorization, you may escalate the concern to the Schools Division Office (SDO) or the DepEd Regional Office for investigation and appropriate action.

DepEd is committed to ensuring that public education remains accessible and that students are provided with a healthy and conducive learning environment, free from undue financial burdens or compulsory purchases.

Sources

DepEd Order No. 13, s. 2017: Policy and Guidelines on Healthy Food and Beverage Choices in Schools and in DepEd Offices.

https://www.deped.gov.ph/2017/03/17/do-13-s-2017-policy-and-guidelines-on-healthy-food-and-beverage-choices-in-schools-and-in-deped-offices/

DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2007: Revised Implementing Guidelines on the Operation and Management of School Canteens in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools.

https://www.deped.gov.ph/2007/02/06/do-8-s-2007-revised-implementing-guidelines-on-the-operation-and-management-of-school-canteens-in-public-elementary-and-secondary-schools/

DepEd Order No. 19, s. 2008: Implementation of No Collection Policy in All Public Elementary and Secondary Schools.

https://www.deped.gov.ph/2008/03/19/do-19-s-2008-implementation-of-no-collection-policy-in-all-public-elementary-and-secondary-schools/

DepEd Order No. 41, s. 2012: Revised Guidelines on the Opening of Classes (reiterates "no collection" policy).

Note: While DO 41 s. 2012 is cited in several reiterations, a direct link to the exact issuance for this specific DO is sometimes harder to find on the main DepEd site. However, its contents are consistently referenced in subsequent memos and orders reinforcing the no-collection policy.

DepEd Memorandum No. 143, s. 2016: Reiteration of the No Collection Policy from Parents – Teachers Association.

Note: This specific memo re-emphasizes the policy. You may often find it referenced within documents related to DepEd's "No Collection Policy."

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