The Junta de Andalucía's decision to eliminate the school canteen subsidy for the 2025-26 academic year has caused significant distress among families at UPACE San Fernando. This measure means that 81 students and their families will now have to bear an annual cost of approximately one thousand euros per student to maintain the service.

The protest, which will take place in front of the Andalusian Government Delegation headquarters, aims to demand a genuine commitment to inclusive and quality education. The organization emphasizes that school canteens in special education centers are not merely supplementary resources but essential elements for student autonomy, equal opportunities, and family reconciliation.

The organization explains that the school canteen is an integral part of the curriculum and is provided during school hours. In this setting, crucial aspects for children with disabilities, such as postural control, swallowing, and choking prevention, are addressed, making it an indispensable service.

This marks the first time that UPACE San Fernando and other special education centers have been excluded from this subsidy call. The organization argues that the competitive bidding system disadvantages them, as having fewer students than subsidized private schools results in lower scores. Furthermore, the assessment criteria do not adequately recognize the vulnerability of students with high degrees of disability.

To prevent this situation from recurring in future academic years, the organization proposes a review of the assessment criteria, an increase in funding, or the inclusion of the canteen service within the agreement with the Junta de Andalucía.