Flourish Health & Wellbeing eMag - Latest Edition - Flipbook - Page 35
lunches from home. In
many low and middle
income countries,
school meals are also
an important social
protection measure,
helping to improve
attendance, reduce
hunger and support
families facing food
insecurity.
Each model re昀氀ects
local culture,
funding, policy
and infrastructure.
However, the
quality of the food
environment can
vary signi昀椀cantly.
Some programs
provide balanced,
diverse meals with
vegetables, legumes,
grains and protein.
Others may offer
meals that are
昀椀lling but limited in
nutritional value. In
wealthier countries,
the issue may be less
about food scarcity
and more about the
normalisation of
ultra processed
foods, sugary drinks
and conveniencebased eating.
ūshoku
This is where Kyū
offers a valuable
contrast. It frames
lunch as a learning
opportunity.
What other countries can learn
The lesson for other countries is not
that Japan’s system should be copied
exactly. Every nation has different school
systems, budgets, food cultures and
logistical realities. The real lesson is that
food education is most effective when
it is practical, repeated and built into
everyday environments.
Other countries could take inspiration
ūshoku by strengthening
from Kyū
the link between school meals and
classroom learning. This might include
discussing the ingredients in the day’s
meal, teaching students about seasonal
produce, involving children in school
gardens, reducing food waste, or creating
opportunities for students to serve and
share food together.
Even where universal school lunches
are not realistic, the principles still
apply. A canteen can become a learning
environment. A lunchbox program
can be supported with practical food
education. A school garden can help
children understand where food comes
from. A shared meal day can introduce
students to new foods and cultures.
