ABSTRACT
We analysed 126 kindergarten staff members’ perceptions of the lunch meal as a social arena based on changes that were made to meal practices during COVID-19. Lunch provided by the kindergarten was considered a better option for the sense of community and enjoyment of the meal compared to having packed lunches. In kindergartens where lunch was served, almost all participants felt that the served lunch was the best option for a social meal, while in kindergartens where packed lunches were eaten, more participants argued that packed lunches were the best option for a social meal. A served lunch with self-service facilitated interaction, conversations, and enjoyment, and this lunch meal arrangement was considered a better option than staff serving the children, as this would disrupt the peace and quiet during the meal. Similar arguments were used for those that felt that packed lunches were the best option for a social meal, and they pointed to the opportunity to have time to sit down and interact with the children. Regardless of the meal arrangements, the staff members’ opportunities to sit down with the children in a calm environment seemed to be a vital factor in the perception of a social meal.
