Taichung City Gov't Follows Proposal for School Lunches, Mocked for Offering Only 5 Days of 'Happiness'

Taichung City's plan to offer enhanced school lunches has drawn sharp criticism, with opponents accusing the city government of a superficial and short-lived gesture. While the city announced a "happy upgrade" for school lunches for the first week of the new academic year, the opposition argues this is a mere imitation of a more substantial proposal.

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Mommy, here's 10 bucks! The children's happiness lasts only 5 days.

The city government's plan includes an extra NT$20 for a double main dish on three days and NT$10 for an egg dish on two days during the opening week. This initiative is seen by critics as a direct, albeit diluted, response to a proposal by DPP candidate for Taichung mayor, Ho Hsin-chun, who advocated for "School Lunch 2380" – a plan that includes daily fresh milk and fruit with enhanced subsidies.

Lin Chun-yu, a spokesperson for Ho Hsin-chun, derided the city's move as "Mommy, here's 10 bucks! The children's happiness lasts only 5 days." He accused the current administration of poorly copying policies and being "stingy" with citizens, citing past instances like the elderly care card subsidy increase. Lin argued that Taichung has the financial capacity for better policies but chooses to be parsimonious, offering children's happiness as a "limited-time, 5-day experience coupon."

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Lu City Hall follows Ho Hsin-chun's 'School Lunch 2380' proposal, but only offers a week of enhanced meals, mocking that children's happiness only lasts 5 days.

Taichung City Councilor Lin Te-yu also pointed out the limited scope of the city's "happy upgrade," noting that it coincides with the implementation of free school lunches. He described the week-long enhancement, which includes a suggested menu with a large chicken leg on the first day, as akin to a "firework display" – impressive but fleeting. The criticism centers on the perception that the city government is making a show of policy implementation without committing to sustained improvements for students' nutrition.

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The city government quickly follows Ho Hsin-chun's proposals, but the policy implementation is superficial and stingy towards citizens.