Feeding opera students is no different from feeding rugby players - they eat heaps and aren't fussy eaters.
Wanganui Collegiate School head chef Don O'Connor said there are no fads or finicky meals on the menu for the singers at the New Zealand Opera School.
"They love their food. It's like feeding a team of young sports players. They're not at all picky or fussy. They love good food and lots of it. By the time they come into the dining hall, they have worked hard and have worked up great appetites."
Mr O'Connor, also the site manager for catering company Alliance, said he enjoys catering for the opera school every year.
"Of course we're prepared for gluten-free, vegetarian, wheat-free and dairy-free, but the opera students and staff are happy with good hearty fresh food. No fuss at all."