HCMC expands 'Responsible Green Tick' school meal model

Transparent school meals

Ho Chi Minh City is expanding the Responsible Green Tick school meal initiative following positive results from its pilot phase.

On July 17, Binh Dong Ward officially launched the Responsible Green Tick model across the kitchens of 14 public schools, following a successful pilot at four preschools.

As one of the pilot schools, Phan Thao Ly, Principal of 19 Thang 5 (19/5) Preschool, said the initiative goes beyond technology by establishing standardized food safety control procedures.

"We consider traceability an integral part of school health management. Making food information transparent allows parents to monitor school meals while strengthening the school's accountability throughout the food preparation process," Ly said.

Under the system, suppliers are required to upload product information before delivery. Products such as pork, poultry, and eggs must include complete documentation and QR codes for traceability. Upon delivery, school staff verify the quantity, quality, and digital records before the food is accepted and prepared. Information on prepared meals and retained samples is then uploaded to support traceability and monitoring.

Ly noted that, instead of relying solely on paperwork and visual inspections, parents can now access menus, food origins, and images of school meals by scanning QR codes through the school's mobile application.

"Greater transparency gives parents confidence in the quality and safety of their children's meals," she added.

Transparency strengthens accountability

According to Vu Yen Oanh, Vice Chairwoman of the People's Committee of Binh Dong Ward, school meals are not only about nutrition but also about the trust parents place in schools and local authorities. She said the Responsible Green Tick initiative is not intended as another certification but as a commitment to ensuring the quality and safety of every meal served to students.

The Responsible Green Tick model is built on three core principles: transparent product origins, closed-loop management, and open, accountable monitoring.

According to Vu Yen Oanh, the initiative enables schools to better manage food ingredients and preparation processes, allows local authorities to oversee school kitchens, and gives parents a direct role in monitoring meal quality.

From a regulatory perspective, the model also supports digital transformation in food safety management and establishes a supplier screening mechanism. Companies that meet requirements on traceability, information transparency, and food safety compliance will have greater opportunities to supply food to schools.

To ensure effective implementation, the People's Committee of Binh Dong Ward has instructed all public schools to adopt the model while assigning relevant departments and local health authorities to provide technical guidance, strengthen inspections, connect schools with certified food suppliers, and support implementation.

Nguyen Nguyen Phuong, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, said the greatest value of the Responsible Green Tick initiative lies not in QR codes or digital platforms but in creating transparency throughout the food supply chain.

"When information on food origins, suppliers, receiving procedures, and preparation processes is made public, every stakeholder in the supply chain becomes more accountable for the products they provide and the work they perform," Phuong said.

He added that the expansion of the initiative in Binh Dong Ward following the pilot phase demonstrates Ho Chi Minh City's shift from inspecting individual stages to supervising the entire food supply chain, with the participation of local authorities, schools, businesses, and parents.

During the event, PVcomBank signed memoranda of understanding with four public preschools, 19/5, Tuoi Tho, Tuoi Ngoc, and Tho Ngoc, to assess schools' needs, support kitchen facilities and equipment, and promote digital transformation in school management.