Suppose that in the late 19 th century it had been decided that children needed an adequate diet to grow up into good citizens and employees, and it was observed that not all children were getting this. Food is provided free at the kitchen, and officials strongly warn against provision of food outside of the kitchen. Attendance at the kitchens is compulsory for all children, and they have to eat three meals a day, at set times.
All children have the same amount of food and the same amount of time in which to eat it.
They eat their meals in their own part of the kitchen around tables with 30 other children of the same age, supervised by one member of the Feeding Profession. The Nutrition System as outlined comes under mounting pressures. In many kitchens, it is alleged, food is of poor quality, leading to illness and listlessness. Some of the Feeding Profession cannot control their charges, with consequent riotous mealtimes. Moreover, it is pointed out that because diet is not centrally prescribed, some kitchens are experimenting with different kinds of food, with disastrous consequences.