Middle East Technical University (METU) supports food security among its staff through an income-tiered subsidised meal scheme operated by the University’s own Cafeteria Directorate. All staff members have access to full hot meals at the University cafeterias throughout the week. On weekdays, breakfast is served from 08:00 to 10:00, lunch from 11:30 to 14:00, and dinner from 17:00 to 18:30. On weekends, breakfast is served from 09:00 to 10:30, lunch from 12:00 to 14:00, and dinner from 17:00 to 18:30.

The price of meals is determined according to salary grade, with lower-income staff paying lower prices. Under the 2025 tariff, staff in the lowest salary band paid 50.60 TL per meal, or 45.60 TL when using a monthly meal card. This was approximately one third of the 151.80 TL paid by staff in the highest salary band, demonstrating METU’s income-sensitive approach to ensuring affordable access to nutritious meals. Meal prices are determined by the University Executive Board, while menus are planned by the University’s dietitians.

The University provides detailed daily menu information through the Cafeteria Directorate website at https://kafeterya.metu.edu.tr. The daily menu is announced every day together with meal prices and nutritional information, enabling staff and students to make informed choices and maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet. The menus also include vegan and vegetarian options, supporting diverse dietary preferences and needs.

METU also applies food safety and responsible procurement standards throughout its food supply process. Food purchases are made in accordance with the Turkish Public Procurement Law (No. 4734), the Turkish Food Codex Regulation, and relevant Turkish Standards Institution (TSE) standards. All food suppliers are required to meet ISO 22000 food safety management standards. Where permitted by applicable legal and technical requirements, the University prioritises local and sustainable suppliers in its procurement processes.

Through this integrated system of income-sensitive meal pricing, regular access to hot meals, nutritional information, dietary options, food safety requirements, and responsible procurement, METU contributes to the food security and well-being of its staff while ensuring that affordable and nutritionally appropriate meals are available across different income groups.

Staff meal tariff effective from 2 September 2025

Notes. The salary index (“ek gösterge”) is the civil-service pay grade coefficient; a lower index means a lower salary. Contracted staff are placed in the same price bands according to gross monthly contract salary. Workers:

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

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