Senior Chinese official Li Changchun has urged local governments and schools to improve services for college students, including quality food supply at reasonable prices in canteens.

Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the call Friday during his inspection tour of Henan University in Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan province.

"Food supply is a vital part of a school's services for students, and the government should take effective measures to help schools in this aspect," Li said.

The prices of pork and eggs have soared recently on the Chinese market due to increased production costs and imbalance between demand and supply.

Li said the government should take effective measures to tackle the issue, including raising subsidies and improving management of canteens.

He urged government and school authorities to pay special attention to the livelihood of students from poverty-stricken families.

(Xinhua News Agency June 9, 2007)