Long-standing partnership – what does Cygnaeus School think about the spread dispenser?

At Cygnaeus School in Turku, school dining has been developed with a long-term vision for many years. The school’s partnership with the FOODDUCK® spread dispenser has now continued for more than eight years and forms part of a broader goal: creating calm, communal dining experiences. School principal Nicke Wulff explains how the solution works in everyday life – and why sharing a meal is such an important part of the school day.

Sense of community begins in the schoolyard – and continues at the dining table

In the schoolyard of Cygnaeus School stands a smiling man wearing a suit and colorful sneakers. Principal Nicke Wulff answers questions from students heading out for recess while greeting others who are just arriving to begin their school day. His genuine care and presence create an atmosphere that is difficult to describe in words.

The same welcoming atmosphere has been created in the dining hall. At Cygnaeus School, lunch is seen as much more than simply eating a meal. It is a moment to slow down, connect with others, and learn together. According to Wulff, the school’s most important task is not only to provide nutritious food but also to create an environment where mealtimes are a calm and meaningful part of the day.

“Our most important task is to give children the opportunity to share a meal with someone else.”

This philosophy has been at the heart of Cygnaeus School for many years, and FOODDUCK® is proud to be part of that journey.

Mealtime is about learning, not just eating

At Cygnaeus School, everyone understands that a successful dining experience depends on much more than the food itself. The environment is equally important: noise levels, the use of space, and clear routines all contribute to a pleasant mealtime. Students enter the dining hall calmly, conversations remain at each table, and teachers eat alongside the students. Dining manners, trying new foods, and spending time together are all part of the learning experience.

“We try to teach healthy eating habits, encourage students to taste different foods, and learn how to have conversations around the dining table”, Wulff says.

According to Wulff, this cannot be taken for granted anymore. Shared family meals have become less common in many households, making the school’s role increasingly important. When the dining experience is enjoyable, it has a direct impact on how many students actually choose to eat the school lunch.

“The culture of eating together is no longer familiar to everyone. That’s why it has become even more important here,” Wulff continues.

The skills learned during mealtimes are also shared with families during Mother’s Day and Father’s Day breakfasts, when parents are invited to the school. These occasions give families a chance to experience school dining firsthand, and attention is often drawn to surprisingly ordinary details. The spread dispenser is one of them. Children enthusiastically introduce it to their parents and proudly demonstrate how it works.

“The children learn to use it immediately. The parents are usually the ones who are surprised.”

Long-term cooperation has delivered clear benefits: more time to eat, less waste

The FOODDUCK® spread dispenser has been part of daily dining at Cygnaeus School since 2018. More than 500 students eat at the school every day, and two dispensers are in use.

“Working with you has always been very straightforward.”

When a solution works well day after day, it naturally becomes part of the routine. The spread dispenser is not an extra feature – it has become a natural part of mealtimes for both students and staff. Its benefits are especially evident in two areas: efficiency and hygiene.

“The serving line moves faster. The time saved from queuing can instead be spent enjoying the meal.”

When students no longer have to wait at the bread station, the entire serving line operates more efficiently. This is a significant advantage, especially in larger schools. Another noticeable improvement is hygiene.

“There are no longer butter knives everywhere or fingers in the spread tubs.”

Food waste has also been reduced. Because students take only the amount of spread they need and partially used packages are eliminated, the spread is used much more efficiently.

Is there still room for improvement?

The kitchen staff at Cygnaeus School play an important role in everyday school life, and cooperation with them has run smoothly over the years. When asked about possible improvements, principal Nicke Wulff pauses for a moment before answering. His conclusion is simple: there are very few areas that require further development.

One practical observation does come to mind. The spread dispensers are placed on a separate bread station that is slightly too low for adults but perfectly suited for children. The solution works well in everyday use, while also serving as a reminder of who the dining environment is primarily designed for – the students.