News
August 21, 2025
Editorial by The Chicago Tribune | Who’s afraid of a healthy school lunch?
In Japan, most schools serve freshly prepared, nutritionally balanced lunches — often rice, fish or meat, soup and vegetables. French cafeterias typically offer multi-course meals that might include salad, a main dish, bread, cheese and dessert.
**Who’s Afraid of a Healthy School Lunch?**
The Chicago Tribune recently published an editorial questioning why providing healthy, nutritious school lunches in the United States seems to be such a challenge, especially when compared to other developed nations. The editorial highlights the stark contrast between the typical American school lunch and the offerings in countries like Japan and France.
In Japan, the school lunch program is a source of national pride. Most schools serve freshly prepared, nutritionally balanced meals cooked on-site. A typical Japanese school lunch might include staples like rice, fish or meat, a flavorful soup, and a variety of fresh vegetables. These lunches are designed to provide students with the energy and nutrients they need to focus and learn throughout the day. Beyond the nutritional value, the Japanese system also emphasizes food education, teaching children about healthy eating habits and the importance of local ingredients.
Across the Atlantic, French school cafeterias present another model of healthy and balanced eating. Children are often offered multi-course meals that resemble a restaurant experience more than a typical American school lunch. A common French school lunch might include a fresh salad, a carefully prepared main dish, crusty bread, a selection of cheese, and even a small dessert. These lunches are not only designed to be nutritious but also to cultivate a sense of enjoyment and appreciation for good food. The French system prioritizes fresh, seasonal ingredients and encourages children to try new flavors and textures.
The Tribune's editorial implicitly asks: why can't the U.S. prioritize similar standards for its students? With growing concerns about childhood obesity and the impact of poor nutrition on academic performance, the editorial suggests that it’s time to re-evaluate the American approach to school lunches. It raises important questions about funding, food sourcing, and the overall value placed on children's health and well-being. The editorial encourages a broader conversation about how to make healthy, delicious, and accessible school lunches a reality for all students in the United States.
The Chicago Tribune recently published an editorial questioning why providing healthy, nutritious school lunches in the United States seems to be such a challenge, especially when compared to other developed nations. The editorial highlights the stark contrast between the typical American school lunch and the offerings in countries like Japan and France.
In Japan, the school lunch program is a source of national pride. Most schools serve freshly prepared, nutritionally balanced meals cooked on-site. A typical Japanese school lunch might include staples like rice, fish or meat, a flavorful soup, and a variety of fresh vegetables. These lunches are designed to provide students with the energy and nutrients they need to focus and learn throughout the day. Beyond the nutritional value, the Japanese system also emphasizes food education, teaching children about healthy eating habits and the importance of local ingredients.
Across the Atlantic, French school cafeterias present another model of healthy and balanced eating. Children are often offered multi-course meals that resemble a restaurant experience more than a typical American school lunch. A common French school lunch might include a fresh salad, a carefully prepared main dish, crusty bread, a selection of cheese, and even a small dessert. These lunches are not only designed to be nutritious but also to cultivate a sense of enjoyment and appreciation for good food. The French system prioritizes fresh, seasonal ingredients and encourages children to try new flavors and textures.
The Tribune's editorial implicitly asks: why can't the U.S. prioritize similar standards for its students? With growing concerns about childhood obesity and the impact of poor nutrition on academic performance, the editorial suggests that it’s time to re-evaluate the American approach to school lunches. It raises important questions about funding, food sourcing, and the overall value placed on children's health and well-being. The editorial encourages a broader conversation about how to make healthy, delicious, and accessible school lunches a reality for all students in the United States.
Category:
Politics