A growing number of schools in Bengaluru have stopped allowing food deliveries through platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato and other apps on their campuses, citing concerns over student health, safety and the culture such practices promote.
Among the latest institutions to introduce the restriction is Vidyashilp School in Banashankari, which recently informed parents that food deliveries to students during school hours would no longer be permitted.
Schools cite health and nutrition concerns
According to school authorities, what began as an occasional food delivery for a student gradually became a regular occurrence, with multiple orders arriving on campus each day.
Vidyashilp School Principal Poornima Mahesh said schools have a responsibility to encourage healthy eating habits among students.
She noted that food ordered from outside is often high in oil, salt and preservatives and may not match the nutritional value of home-cooked meals.
The school has advised parents who are unable to prepare meals to arrange healthy food at home and send it in lunch boxes instead.
Reducing peer pressure among students
School leaders also believe the practice can create unnecessary comparisons among children.
Educationists point out that students carrying simple homemade meals may feel uncomfortable when classmates receive pizzas, burgers or other restaurant food during lunch breaks.
According to school administrators, such situations can lead to peer pressure and encourage children to demand similar food from their parents, creating avoidable distractions in the learning environment.
Security and logistical challenges
Apart from nutrition concerns, schools have raised safety issues regarding the entry of delivery personnel onto campuses.
Usha Mahesh Reddy, Director Principal of NPS Hosur Road, said schools must carefully regulate access by individuals who are not part of the school community.
Frequent deliveries also place an additional burden on security staff and administrative teams, who must coordinate and deliver food parcels to students during school hours.
Schools promote healthy food culture
Several institutions are now focusing on strengthening healthy eating habits among students and staff alike.
Some schools have even discouraged staff members from ordering food through delivery apps on campus, believing educators should set examples for students.
School leaders say promoting homemade and nutritious meals helps build awareness about food, family involvement and healthier lifestyle choices among children.
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