Pedagogical University requests police to verify information about increased student meal prices during flood season

Since October 9, information has been circulating on social networks that during the rainy and flooded days, many students at the dormitory of the University of Education - Thai Nguyen University were isolated and had no electricity, while the dormitory canteen prevented them from receiving charity meals and sold rice for 30,000 VND/meal.

z7101379794388-40ff8e149ad47adee89d1230ec580778-3939.jpg — Associate Professor, Dr. Tu Quang Tan, Vice Principal of Thai Nguyen University of Education

Associate Professor Tu Quang Tan said: The school has requested the Provincial Police and relevant agencies to verify and strictly handle (if any) those involved, so as not to affect the school and students.

On the morning of October 10, speaking with Tien Phong Newspaper , Associate Professor, Dr. Tu Quang Tan - Vice Principal of the University of Education - said: as soon as receiving information on social networks, the school proceeded to verify and check.

“The results showed that on the morning of October 8, when the central area of Thai Nguyen City, including the University of Education, was deeply flooded, around 9 a.m. a person came to the school and said he wanted to donate about 100 meals and would deliver them after 2 hours,” said Mr. Tan.

According to Associate Professor Tan, at the school, not only during the rainy and flood days but also on normal days, there are many units asking for sponsorship, placing advertisements or introducing products and food. The school has an "unspoken rule": Only accepting support from units with clear documents, legal food origin, ensuring food hygiene and safety. The school will not accept units with unclear information or missing documents.

z7101379312252-eb5638f0d162c79865263b7a6fdefb41-5151.jpg — Thai Nguyen University of Education

“In the case of the morning of October 8, the dormitory manager was concerned about food safety issues. However, because he could not contact the Board of Directors, this person refused. I think the manager handled the situation a bit too rigidly. After the incident, we will discipline the catering unit and related staff,” Associate Professor Tan added.

He also said that during the recent flood, most of the school area was deeply flooded. On October 7, the school sent staff and lecturers to guide students to move their belongings from the first floor to the second and third floors to ensure safety. At the same time, the school coordinated with units such as the Red Cross, Women's Union, etc. to receive official support from rice, instant noodles to necessities to distribute to students.

Associate Professor, Dr. Tu Quang Tan confirmed that there was no rumor that the kitchen increased the price by 50,000 VND/meal. According to him, the current meal supplier is the winning contractor for the meal supply package for the school in the period 2020-2025. The highest price is set at 30,000 VND/meal and this unit still complies with that regulation.