According to a report by the Sindicatura de Comptes (Catalan Court of Auditors), La Garrotxa shows a school canteen usage rate of 87.05%, surpassing the Catalan average. Furthermore, the average price of the service in the region is 5.90 euros, significantly lower than the 6.64 euros average across Catalunya.
These figures correspond to the 2023-2024 academic year and are part of a study on canteen services in public infant and primary education centers. The service, which covers nutritional needs and promotes healthy habits, is primarily funded by users.
During the analyzed academic year, 97.82% of Catalan public schools offered canteen services, utilized by approximately 300,000 students, representing 68.28% of the total. The Sindicatura's study is based on data from 1,354 centers.
The analysis reveals significant differences between regions. While La Garrotxa leads in participation, regions such as Montsià (31.45%), Ribera d’Ebre (32.68%), Terra Alta (34.32%), and Baix Ebre (36.93%) show the lowest rates. Within the Girona province, Baix Empordà records the lowest rate at 51.5%.
Other regions in Girona province are above the Catalan average: Alt Empordà (62.1%), Pla de l’Estany (65%), Ripollès (72.8%), Cerdanya (61.8%), Selva (68%), and Gironès (79%).
The report also indicates that low-complexity centers have a canteen utilization rate of 84.68%, higher than medium and high-complexity centers.
Regarding prices, La Garrotxa also stands out for having the lowest fees (5.90€). Other regions in Girona, such as Alt Empordà (6.68€), Selva (6.06€), Gironès (6.29€), Ripollès (6.34€), Pla de l’Estany (6.37€), and Cerdanya (6.64€) are around the Catalan average of 6.64€, while Baix Empordà (6.77€) exceeds it.
The estimated economic volume of the school canteen service in Catalunya for the 2023-2024 academic year has been set at 255 million euros, financed approximately equally by families, administrations, and the Department of Education and Vocational Training.
