For millions of children, lunchtime is one of the most anticipated parts of the school day. But what ends up on their plate or in their food box depends on where they live. While some students carry home-made tiffins filled by their parents every morning, others stand in queues in the school canteen to have a freshly cooked meal. In a few countries, lunchtime is considered part of the whole day’s study rather than just a break between classes.The variety goes beyond just food. Around the world, governments, schools and families follow different approaches to school feeding. Some states operate national food programs based on government-imposed nutrition policies. Some expect parents to pack lunches at home, while most schools offer a mix of both. The result is that two children of the same age, who go to school thousands of miles apart, can have completely different lunchtime experiences.For example, consider India. Most students in government schools receive cooked meals under the PM POSHAN scheme, while private school students often carry tiffins full of home-prepared food or buy snacks from the school canteen. Moving to Japan, students often eat lunch together at school in their classrooms, and often share food with each other. In the United States, most children go to large school cafeterias, while in Australia, packed lunches are still common.From rice to soups, sandwiches, salads and homemade desserts, school lunches feature more than just local favorites. They also provide an overview of each country’s education, public health and daily culture. See how school lunches are in the United States, United Kingdom, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Germany and India.
United States: Publicly subsidized cafeterias and lunches
In the United States, most students eat lunch in school cafeterias. Schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program provide healthy meals, with free or reduced-price lunches available to eligible children. The program, administered by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), has been in place since 1946. Schools must adhere to government nutrition standards for the food they serve. A typical school lunch can be a large meal such as pizza, pasta, chicken, burgers or tacos, along with fruits, vegetables and milk. Meal plans vary from school district to school district, but schools that participate in the federal program must meet specific nutrition requirements.
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United Kingdom: School meals and packed lunches
In England, most children eat school dinners while others bring packed lunches home. The Government has School Food Standards which set the rules for the food that can be provided in schools. Food should include fruits and vegetables every day, fatty foods, milk and protein foods such as meat or chicken, while foods high in fat, salt and sugar are prohibited. Eligible children can also receive free school meals. School meals usually consist of foods such as roast chicken, fish fingers, pasta, jacket potatoes or curry served with vegetables, fruit and dessert. Children who bring packed lunches often bring sandwiches, wraps, fruit, yogurt and snacks from home.
China: School canteens are common
In China, many students eat lunch at school canteens, especially in urban areas where many schools have school cafeterias. In rural areas, the government has implemented programs to support healthy eating in order to improve the food of compulsory school children. Menus vary greatly between regions, schools and local food traditions.School canteens usually have rice or noodles with vegetables and a meat dish such as chicken or pork. Soups and seasonal fruits are common, although menus vary by province and school.
Japan: Lunch is part of the study
Japan’s school lunch system is often considered one of the best in the world. Almost all primary and secondary schools offer school lunches. Instead of eating in large restaurants, children often eat together in their classrooms. They also take turns serving food to their classmates, helping to clean up afterwards and learning about nutrition and working together as part of the school day. School lunches in Japan usually consist of fried rice, fried fish or chicken, miso soup, vegetables, milk and seasonal fruits. Some schools also sell curry rice, which is a popular school meal.
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South Korea: Hot food prepared by nutritionists
South Korean schools are known for serving freshly prepared hot meals that usually include rice, soup, vegetables and side dishes. Public schools often provide school meals, and nutritionists or nutritionists help prepare nationally appropriate meals. The quality of food can vary between schools, but lunch is considered an important part of student health. Students are usually served rice, soup, kimchi and several side dishes, which may include fish, meat, eggs, tofu or vegetables. Fresh fruit or yogurt is also offered in many schools.
South Africa: Government meals for millions of students
South Africa runs the National School Nutrition Program (NSNP), which provides daily meals to millions of students who attend public schools, especially those in poor areas. The aim of the program is to promote healthy eating habits, encourage school attendance and help children pay attention in class. Meals are prepared in schools or by community providers, and menus are designed to meet dietary guidelines set by the government.A typical school meal can be corn (papa), rice or soup, served with beans, lentils, vegetables, soy mince, chicken or other proteins depending on the menu. Seasonal fruit is also offered in many schools. Children who attend affluent schools may buy food from school shops or bring packed lunches home
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Australia: Home cooked food is the best food
Unlike several other countries, Australia does not have a government-funded lunch program. Most children bring lunch boxes from home, although many schools have canteens where students buy food. Some districts and schools also run breakfast or lunch programs for students who need extra help. Since most children bring food home, lunch boxes usually contain sandwiches or wraps, fruit, vegetable sticks, cheese, yogurt and snacks. School canteens usually sell sandwiches, salads, hot meals and drinks.