Tainan's 'Red Jewel' Irwin Mangoes Served in School Lunches for Over 140,000 Students

Tainan is rolling out a program to subsidize schools in serving the local Irwin mangoes, affectionately known as "red jewels," in student lunches. This initiative aims to let over 140,000 students experience the sweet and sour taste of the seasonal fruit. The Tainan City Education Bureau is leading the "School Lunch Tainan Local High-Quality Mango Subsidy Program." Education Bureau Director Zheng Xin-hui stated that Tainan has long promoted the use of local ingredients in school lunches. Beyond central government standards, the city mandates that at least 15% of school purchases for fruits and vegetables must be locally sourced. This program collaborates with the Agriculture Bureau to connect regional farmers with schools, ensuring students receive the freshest seasonal fruit while learning about local agriculture. Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che highlighted Tainan's status as the "hometown of mangoes," popular both domestically and internationally. He believes foreign children would envy Taiwanese students tasting locally grown mangoes. The Education Bureau plans to continue using school lunches, agricultural education courses, and farm visits to teach students about Tainan's agricultural specialties, fostering gratitude and sustainability. A mango-themed agricultural education event from June 27-28 will take students to production areas to learn about local industries.

“

Tainan has long promoted the use of local ingredients in school lunches. Beyond central government standards, the city mandates that at least 15% of school purchases for fruits and vegetables must be locally sourced.