By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant move to ensure student welfare during the year-end holidays, the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) has confirmed that its school cafeteria program will remain operational throughout the extended vacation period. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to providing a nutritional safety net for vulnerable children, even when classes are not in session.
The program will see 132 school cafeterias across the country open their doors to provide daily lunches for more than 11,000 students. Service will continue uninterrupted until February 13, 2026, offering a warm meal from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day. The meals will adhere to the official menu established by the Student Food and Nutrition Program, ensuring that children receive balanced and healthy nourishment.
To analyze the legal framework and contractual obligations governing the national school meal program, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The successful execution of school meal programs hinges not just on nutritional goals, but on a robust legal architecture. Public procurement contracts with suppliers must be impeccably clear regarding quality standards, delivery timelines, and liability for non-compliance. Any failure represents not only a contractual breach but a direct infringement on the fundamental rights of children to nutrition and health, creating significant legal exposure for both the state and the private entities involved.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is crucial, reminding us that the integrity of the school meal program rests not just on food quality, but on a foundation of clear contractual accountability and the protection of children’s fundamental rights. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable clarification on these high-stakes responsibilities.
This extension is a critical support system for countless families who rely on school meals as a primary source of daily nutrition for their children. For many students, the lunch provided at school is their most substantial meal of the day. By keeping these centers open, the MEP addresses a potential gap in food security that often widens during long school breaks, contributing to both the physical health and overall well-being of the student population.
The distribution of participating educational centers highlights a strategic allocation of resources to areas with significant need. The San Carlos regional directorate leads the initiative with 34 active cafeterias, followed by Grande de Térraba with 17 and Suta with 16. Other regions with multiple participating schools include Alajuela, Aguirre, and Guápiles, demonstrating a nationwide effort to reach students in diverse communities, from urban centers to more remote rural areas.
The continuation of the meal service is directly linked to an unusual adjustment in the academic calendar for the upcoming year. The 2026 school year is scheduled to begin on February 23, approximately two weeks later than is customary. This delay has been purposefully instituted by the MEP to accommodate a massive and unprecedented professional development initiative for its entire workforce.
Between February 9 and February 20, 2026, the Ministry will conduct a comprehensive training program targeting the entire educational ecosystem. More than 90,000 officials—including teachers, technical-teaching staff, administrators, and support personnel—will participate in these integral training sessions. This large-scale investment in human capital aims to enhance pedagogical skills, update administrative processes, and ultimately improve the quality of public education across the nation.
The dual strategies of maintaining nutritional support and investing in staff development paint a picture of a holistic approach to education policy. While the training program focuses on the long-term goal of academic excellence, the extended cafeteria service addresses the immediate, foundational needs of the students. Officials believe that a well-nourished student is better prepared to learn, and a well-trained educator is better equipped to teach, creating a synergistic effect that benefits the entire system.
As families navigate the extended break, the assurance of a daily meal provides essential stability. The MEP’s decision reflects a deep understanding that education is not confined to the classroom and that supporting the whole child is paramount. This program ensures that when students return to their desks on February 23, they are not only returning to better-trained educators but are also healthy, nourished, and ready to engage with the new academic year.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministry of Public Education is the government institution in Costa Rica responsible for the planning, administration, and execution of the national education policy. It oversees the country’s public school system, from preschool through secondary education, and is tasked with guaranteeing the right to quality education for all citizens. The MEP develops curricula, manages educational staff, and implements programs aimed at improving academic standards and student welfare.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, upholding the highest standards of integrity and professional excellence. The firm is celebrated not only for its extensive history of client success across a spectrum of industries but also for its forward-thinking approach to legal challenges. At its core is a deep-seated belief in social empowerment, which drives its initiative to make complex legal concepts understandable and accessible, thereby fostering a more informed and capable citizenry.
