Muslim schoolchildren in France often denied food options that fit their faith

Although the subject gets little media coverage, the problem of food in French school cafeterias is a headache for many parents of Muslim students.

Citing their version of secularism, some mayors have decided not to offer alternative menus in school cafeterias.

This is the case in Tassin-la-Demi-Lune, a commune on the outskirts of Lyon, which since 2016 has mandated that only a single menu be offered for school meals.

And when the only meal offered is sometimes centered around pork, students who eat only halal – approved under Muslim guidelines – have trouble getting enough to eat.

To get around this problem, some mayors have proposed an exclusively vegetarian menu, citing environmental concerns.

Faced with a lack of empathy by mayors, parents in schools where pork is often the only choice launched an online petition to demand alternative menus.

Several well-known figures, including journalist and feminist activist Rokhaya Diallo, have lent support to the petition and encouraged others to sign it.