Middle East Technical University (METU) enforces a comprehensive policy and operational framework to ensure that healthy, nutritionally balanced, affordable, and sustainably sourced food options are available across ALL campus food outlets, including university-operated cafeterias and third-party vendors.

1. Institutional Policy & Coverage (All Outlets)

Under the METU "Sustainable Food Policy", the university formally commits to providing affordable, nutritious, and healthy food choices—including mandatory vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free alternatives—across all campus outlets and third-party commercial sellers. Furthermore, procurement guidelines mandate that food consumed on campus is sourced locally and produced using sustainable agricultural/fishery practices and fair labor conditions, within budgetary constraints.

2. Health, Quality Assurance & Nutritional Planning

All food production at the METU Central Cafeteria adheres strictly to Turkish Standards Institution (TSE) and the Turkish Food Codex guidelines. The preparation process is systematically audited by on-site Dietitians and Food Engineers:

• Nutritional Balance: Monthly menus are scientifically designed by certified dietitians to meet human energy requirements, balancing essential carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
• Special Dietary Requirements: Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options are integrated into the daily tabldot (set-menu) dining service.
• Technical Specifications: Raw materials and ingredient quantities are determined based on inventory and monthly menus. Technical procurement specifications are continuously updated by Dietitians and Food Engineers to guarantee compliance with TSE and national food safety regulations.

3. Affordability & Subsidized Pricing (2026 Data)

Food procurement is conducted by the Directorate of Health, Culture, and Sports (SKS) through public tenders and direct procurement frameworks. As per the official cafeteria tariff updated on February 25, 2026, student meals are heavily subsidized to maintain high affordability:

• Student Set-Menu (Tabldot): 50.00 TRY per meal.
• Student Breakfast (Soup): 10.00 TRY per meal.
• Progressive Staff Pricing: Tiered from 65.00 TRY to 190.00 TRY based on salary brackets to ensure socio-economic fairness.

http://sustainablecampus.metu.edu.tr/en/policies

https://kafeterya.metu.edu.tr/odtu-kafeterya-mudurlugu

https://kafeterya.metu.edu.tr/tabldot-yemek-fiyatlari