Canary Islands Parents Demand Canteen Reform Amid Staffing Crisis

The crisis surrounding school canteen management in the Canary Islands has reached a breaking point. The Tenerife Federation of Parents' Associations (Fitapa) has launched a Change.org petition, which has already gathered over 2,400 signatures, demanding an urgent overhaul of how staff vacancies are filled. Parents are frustrated by the frequent lack of kitchen and service staff, which has recently led to partial closures at schools like CEIP Granadilla and Teófilo Pérez.

There is a clear divide between the regional government and families. The Ministry of Education, led by Poli Suárez, claims it has reached record hiring levels, with 2,174 contracts issued between September and March—a 20% increase over the previous year. However, families insist these efforts are not enough to keep the service running reliably.

The Ministry argues that the problem lies in a shortage of available workers, particularly in rural areas or on smaller islands. Officials point to high rates of medical leave and the difficulty of attracting staff to part-time roles that often struggle to compete with other social benefits.

Fitapa representative Manuel Delgado argues that the issue is not just a temporary setback, but a structural failure that has persisted for decades. For families, school canteens are essential; they are vital for work-life balance and provide a crucial daily meal for many children.

The situation has become so tense that Fitapa is now calling for the dismissal of those in charge of the Territorial Directorate, citing a lack of foresight that threatens both safety and service quality. With no immediate technical solution in sight, the federation has warned that if the government continues to blame a lack of candidates, parents will increase their pressure to force a change.