View source for School meal

{{Short description|Meal provided to students at school}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
[[File:Lunch at DC Public Schools on 2012-10-09.jpg|thumb|250px|A school lunch in Washington, D.C., containing (clockwise from bottom left): [[hamburger]], [[french fries]], [[milk]], [[cantaloupe]], and roasted [[brussels sprouts]]]]
[[File:Nauru Secondary School Principal, Clarissa Jeremiah, inspecting school lunches, 13 November 2012. Photo- Rex Pirie, Australian adviser (12045528555).jpg|right|thumb|The principal of a [[Nauru]] secondary school inspecting school lunches (2012)]]

A '''school meal''' (whether it is a breakfast, lunch, or evening meal) is a [[meal]] provided to [[student]]s and sometimes [[teacher]]s at a [[school]], typically in the middle or beginning of the school day. Countries around the world offer various kinds of '''school meal programs''', and altogether, these are among the world's largest [[Social safety net|social safety nets]].<ref>World Bank. 2018. [https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/29115 The State of Social Safety Nets 2018]. Washington, DC: World Bank.</ref> An estimated 380 million school [[Child|children]] around the world receive meals (or snacks or take-home rations) at their respective schools.<ref>{{Cite web |title=State of School Feeding Worldwide 2020 {{!}} World Food Programme |url=https://www.wfp.org/publications/state-school-feeding-worldwide-2020 |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=www.wfp.org |date=24 February 2021 |language=en}}</ref> The extent of school feeding coverage varies from country to country, and as of 2020, the aggregate coverage rate worldwide is estimated to be 27% (and 40% specifically for primary school-age children).<ref name=":1">Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF). 2022. [https://gcnf.org/global-reports/ School Meal Programs Around the World: Results from the 2021 Global Survey of School Meal Programs]. GCNF: Seattle. </ref>

The objectives and benefits of school meals vary. In [[Developing country|developing countries]], school meals provide [[food security]] at times of [[crisis]] and help children to become [[health]]y and [[Productivity|productive]] [[adult]]s, thus helping to break the [[cycle of poverty]] and [[hunger]]. They can address micronutrient deficiencies by serving diverse foods or including fortified foods.<ref>Olney, D.K., A. Gelli, N. Kumar, H. Alderman, A. Go, A. Raza, J. Owens, A. Grinspun, G. Bhalla, and O. Benammour. 2021.[https://www.ifpri.org/publication/nutrition-sensitive-social-protection-programs-within-food-systems Nutrition-Sensitive Social Protection Programs within Food Systems]. FAO and IFPRI: Washington, D.C.</ref> They also serve as an incentive to send children to school and continue their education, and they can be leveraged specifically to reduce barriers to schooling for girls.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gelli |first=Aulo |date=2015-05-20 |title=School Feeding and Girls' Enrollment: The Effects of Alternative Implementation Modalities in Low-Income Settings in Sub-Saharan Africa |journal=Frontiers in Public Health |volume=3 |page=76 |doi=10.3389/fpubh.2015.00076 |issn=2296-2565 |pmc=4440399 |pmid=26052509|doi-access=free }}</ref> When school meals are targeted toward low-income or vulnerable children, they serve as a social safety net.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Alderman |first1=H. |last2=Bundy |first2=D. |date=2012-08-01 |title=School Feeding Programs and Development: Are We Framing the Question Correctly? |url=https://academic.oup.com/wbro/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/wbro/lkr005 |journal=The World Bank Research Observer |language=en |volume=27 |issue=2 |pages=204–221 |doi=10.1093/wbro/lkr005 |issn=0257-3032|hdl=10986/17114 |hdl-access=free }}</ref> Especially in [[Developed country|developed countries]], school meals are structured to encourage healthy eating habits.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Aliyar |first1=Ruzky |last2=Gelli |first2=Aulo |last3=Hamdani |first3=Salha Hadjivayanis |date=2015-08-05 |title=A Review of Nutritional Guidelines and Menu Compositions for School Feeding Programs in 12 Countries |journal=Frontiers in Public Health |volume=3 |page=148 |doi=10.3389/fpubh.2015.00148 |issn=2296-2565 |pmc=4524891 |pmid=26301209|doi-access=free }}</ref> School meal programs can also be aimed at supporting the domestic or local agricultural sector.<ref>Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and World Food Program (WFP). 2018. [https://www.wfp.org/publications/home-grown-school-feeding-resource-framework Home-Grown School Feeding Resource Framework: Technical Document]. WFP: Rome.</ref>

==History==
The first school lunches were thought to be served in 1790 in [[Munich, Germany]], by an American-born physicist, [[Benjamin Thompson]], also known as Count Rumford. Thompson had spent his early days in [[New England]], but as a [[royalist]] during the [[American Revolutionary War]], he had become distrusted and left for [[England]] in 1784. In Munich, Thompson founded the Poor People's Institute which employed both adults and children to make uniforms for the [[German Army]]. They were fed and clothed for their work and the children were taught reading, writing and arithmetic. Years later, Thompson would feed 60,000 people a day from his [[soup kitchen]] in [[London]].<ref name="Gunderson2003">{{cite book|author=Gordon W. Gunderson|title=The National School Lunch Program: Background and Development|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sB_1XaY6TCQC|year=2003|publisher=Nova Publishers|pages= 1–6|isbn=978-1-59033-639-7}}</ref><ref name="Aoyagi2015">{{cite book|author=William Shurtleff; Akiko Aoyagi|title=History of Soybeans and Soyfoods in Austria and Switzerland (1781-2015): Extensively Annotated Bibliography and Sourcebook|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wrYYCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA388|date=5 July 2015|publisher=Soyinfo Center|isbn=978-1-928914-77-8|page=388}}</ref> 

In the [[United Kingdom]], significant changes have been made since school meals were introduced in the 19th century by [[Elizabeth Burgwin]] and others.<ref>{{Cite ODNB |last=Horn |first=Pamela |url=http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-51776 |title=Burgwin [née Canham], Elizabeth Miriam (1850–1940), educationist |date=2004-09-23 |volume=1 |language=en |doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/51776|isbn=978-0-19-861412-8 }}</ref> The first National School Meals Policy was published across the United Kingdom in 1941. The Policy set the first nutritional guidelines for school lunches, requiring balanced meals which include the appropriate levels of [[protein]], [[fat]], and [[calorie]]s.<ref name="ReferenceC">{{cite journal|last1=Evans|first1=C. E. L.|last2=Harper|first2=C. E.|title=A history and review of school meal standards in the UK|journal=Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics|date=April 2009|volume=22|issue=2|pages=89–99|doi=10.1111/j.1365-277X.2008.00941.x|pmid=19302115}}</ref>

[[File:Vallilan kansakoulu, Hämeentie 80. Kouluruokailua ruokasalissa. - N917 (hkm.HKMS000005-00000139).jpg|thumb|Pupils eating school meals at the Vallila Folk School in [[Vallila]], [[Helsinki]], Finland (1913)]]

In the [[United States]], there was a social inequality gap during the [[Industrial Revolution|industrial era]], and there was room for improvement in all realms of education. Philadelphia and Boston were the first two cities to institute school lunches in the U.S. Organizations such as Women's Education and the Starr Center Association began serving hot meals to students for a cost that was affordable for most. Soon after, teachers started to notice the benefits for students – both mentally and physically. The federal government was not involved until the [[Great Depression]] (1920s), when farmers and labors were not doing well financially and the school lunch program was a solution that benefited everyone.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/4496771/school-lunch-history/|title=An Abbreviated History of School Lunch in America|magazine=Time|language=en|access-date=24 February 2019}}</ref>

In recent years, school districts have faced government or community pressure to change the foods served in schools. The addition of [[vegan school meal]] options and [[Meatless Monday]]s are examples of these changes.

== Free school meals ==
Free school meals can be universal school meals for all students or limited by income-based criteria, which can vary by country.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Lunch/AboutLunch/ProgramHistory_4.htm |title=The National School Lunch Program Background and Development |access-date=April 24, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907005942/http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Lunch/AboutLunch/ProgramHistory_4.htm |archive-date=September 7, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> A study of a free school meal program in the United States found that providing free meals to elementary and middle school children in areas characterized by high food insecurity led to better school discipline among the students.<ref>{{Cite report |last1=Gordon|first1=Nora E|last2=Ruffini|first2=Krista J|date=2018|title=School Nutrition and Student Discipline: Effects of Schoolwide Free Meals|series=Working Paper Series |work=[[National Bureau of Economic Research]] |id=24986 |url=http://www.nber.org/papers/w24986|doi=10.3386/w24986|s2cid=169730545|doi-access=free}}</ref> {{As of|2022}} in England, 20.8% of the 8.9 million pupils attending schools in 2020–21 are known to be eligible for free school meals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-pupils-and-their-characteristics|website=gov.uk|title=Academic Year 2020/21: Schools, pupils and their characteristics|quote=“There are 8.9 million pupils attending 24,400 schools in England in 2020/21. 20.8% are known to be eligible for free school meals, representing 1.74 million pupils”|author=Anon|year=2021}}</ref>

===Universal school meals===
Free school meals available for all students are also called Universal school meals.<ref name="o780">{{cite web | last=Huber | first=Bridget | title=Hunger advocates want free school meals for all kids. It's tough sell in Congress | website=NPR | date=7 September 2022 | url=https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/09/07/1101550783/free-school-meals-kids-hunger | access-date=15 August 2024}}</ref> [[Sweden]], [[Finland]], [[Estonia]] and [[India]] are among the few countries which provide universal school meals to all pupils in [[compulsory education]], regardless of their ability to pay.<ref name="Public Meal">{{cite journal |first=Christine |last=Persson Owowski |title=The Swedish School Meal as Public Meal: Collective Thinking, Actions, and Meal Patterns | url=http://uu.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:544062/FULLTEXT01 |journal=Digital Comprehensive Summaries of Uppsala Dissertations from the Faculty of Social Sciences |volume=80 |isbn=978-91-554-8431-6 |publisher=Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis Uppsala |year=2012 |pages=9{{ndash}}81}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wfp.org/school-meals |title=School Meals |date=2015 |publisher=[[World Food Programme]] |access-date=20 May 2016 }}</ref> In [[India]], where all Government School students are provided with free lunches through the [[Midday Meal Scheme]], staple foods are provided along with free education. Several states in the US offer universal school meals.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/free-school-meals-0c927f491b2ee9d4ce7e04b44da79e51 |title=Schoolkids in 8 states can now eat free school meals, advocates urge Congress for nationwide policy |website=[[Associated Press News]] |date=August 26, 2023 |access-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-date=September 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902021335/https://apnews.com/article/free-school-meals-0c927f491b2ee9d4ce7e04b44da79e51 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Targeted school meals ==
School meals can also be targeted, often toward students who are poor or otherwise vulnerable. Such targeting can be geographic (providing school meals in all schools with a region that is deemed food insecure or lower income), school-based (targeting schools with a population of generally poor students), or based on individual characteristics (targeting students based on their household income, ethnic status, or other individual traits). Across different settings and school meal programs, many different approaches are used when targeting school meals.<ref name=":1" />

==Reduced price meals==
Reduced price meals are also available in some countries to those who need a degree of assistance with costs. Lower-cost meals are available to students in such countries as [[France]], [[Italy]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Japan]], [[Portugal]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=fyi.pt |title=Auxílios Económicos {{!}} Câmara Municipal do Porto |url=https://www.cm-porto.pt/acao-social-escolar/auxilios-economicos |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=www.cm-porto.pt |language=pt}}</ref> and the [[United States]].

== Full price meals ==
In some programs, meals are made available for purchase in school cafeterias/canteens at full price. For example, in the United States, students who do not qualify for reduced price lunches can still purchase food at the full price. In the United Arab Emirates, all food in school cafeterias is available for purchase, though prices reflect only the cost of the food itself.<ref name=":1" />

== Hot cooked meals ==
School meals can be cooked in a kitchen (whether in each school or in a centralized kitchen, with the cooked food then delivered to individual schools).

== Cold meals ==
School meals can also be uncooked, serving cold sandwiches or packaged biscuits. For example, the National School Nutrition Program in Egypt serves only [[Ma'amoul]], a baked food item made with dates.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Global Survey of School Meal Programs – Country Reports |url=https://gcnf.org/country-reports/ |access-date=January 28, 2023 |website=Global Child Nutrition Foundation}}</ref>

==Africa==
===Nigeria===
In April 2012, the [[Osun (state)|State of Osun]] in [[Nigeria]] started a statewide school meals programme for all public elementary school pupils. It is called the O'Meals programme (an [[acronym]] for the Osun Elementary School Feeding and Health Programme). As of July 2014, it was providing lunch to over 252,000 children in 100% of Osun's elementary schools. In addition to [[Nigerian cuisine|staples]] such as rice, beans, and yams served with stews, soups, and vegetables, the programme provides daily fruits. Its estimated cost is [[Nigerian dollar|N]]50 (US$0.31) per child per day.<ref name=omeals>{{cite web |url=http://hgsf-global.org/en/bank/downloads/doc_download/433-omeals-snap-shot-july-2014 |title=O'Meals {{ndash}} Why It's More Than Just Lunch |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=July 2014 |website=HGSF Nigeria |publisher=Home Grown School Feeding (HGSF) |access-date=21 May 2016 }}</ref>

According to a report on O'Meals' benefits:<ref name=omeals/>

{{cquote|Within four weeks of the O'Meals launch, school enrollment increase[d] by approximately 25%. According to the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics July 2013 edition, Osun has the highest primary school enrollment rates in Nigeria {{ndash}} a feat largely attributable to O'Meals. [Additionally,] O'Meals promotes and boosts income generation opportunities, particularly for women. To date, the program has economically empowered over 3,000 previously unemployed women by hiring them as food vendors[.]}}

All food items are sourced locally from farmers and others on the supply chain, enhancing employment within the state. Addressing child malnutrition has raised students' academic performance, and has increased school enrollment by 24% compared to figures from before April 2012.<ref>{{cite book|last1=McGrath |first1=Simon |last2=Gu |first2=Qing |title=Routledge Handbook of International Education and Development|year=2016 |publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-0415747547|page=174}}</ref>

In 2015, the [[manifesto]] of the [[All Progressives Congress]] (APC) advocated for the adoption of a nationwide free meal plan. Since he became [[President of Nigeria|president]], [[Muhammadu Buhari]] has made the implementation of this policy one of his foremost priorities. A national School Meals programme is the subject of a budgetary proposal before the [[National Assembly of Nigeria|National Assembly]]. Also, the government of [[Kaduna State]] has implemented a school feeding programme.{{Citation needed|date=May 2017}}

==Americas==
===Canada===
[[File:Children. Montreal High School BAnQ Vieux-Montréal P48S1P08746.jpg|thumbnail|Children eating their lunch in a Montreal school, 1943]]
There are several [[non-profit organization]]s dedicated to student nutrition.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Dacunha |first1=Chantelle |last2=Ng |first2=Eric |last3=Elton |first3=Sarah |date=2022-12-02 |title=The school food solution: Creating a healthy school food environment with Canada's Food Guide |url=https://www.foodsystemsjournal.org/index.php/fsj/article/view/1121 |journal=Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development |language=en |volume=12 |issue=1 |pages=157–169 |doi=10.5304/jafscd.2022.121.010 |issn=2152-0801|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.breakfastforlearning.ca/programs/ |title=Funded Programs |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |publisher=Breakfast for Learning |access-date=21 May 2016 }}</ref> In 2024, prime minister [[Justin Trudeau]] announced a national school food program.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2024/04/01/national-school-food-program-set-kids-success |title=A National School Food Program to set kids up for success |date=April 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/school-food/reports/national-policy.html |work=[[Government of Canada]] |access-date=10 October 2024 |title=National School Food Policy |date=20 June 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/national-food-program-schools-explain-1.7160901 |title=What we know — and don't — about the national school food program |first=Natalie |last=Stechyson |work=CBC News |date=3 April 2024 |access-date=10 October 2024 }}</ref>

A 2021 study of school meal programs across Canada estimated that these programs are found in about 35% of JK–12 schools, with a minimum of 1,018,323 or 21% of students in the country receiving free breakfasts, lunches, and/or snacks. There is considerable diversity in the design of these programs across Canada's provinces and territories. Though non-profit entities implement these programs, governments contributed over Can$93 million in 2018/19.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ruetz |first1=Amberley T. |last2=McKenna |first2=Mary L. |date=2021-10-30 |title=Characteristics of Canadian school food programs funded by provinces and territories |url=https://canadianfoodstudies.uwaterloo.ca/index.php/cfs/article/view/483 |journal=Canadian Food Studies |volume=8 |issue=3 |doi=10.15353/cfs-rcea.v8i3.483 |s2cid=240413128 |issn=2292-3071|doi-access=free }}</ref>

===United States===
{{Main|School meal programs in the United States}}

[[File:Universal School Meal Programs in the United States.svg|thumb|400px|alt=Map of US states with universal school meal programs|
'''Universal school meal programs in the United States'''
----
{{legend|#196E92|Permanent universal school meal program}}
{{legend|#FFCC00|Former temporary universal school meal program}}
{{legend|#D0D0D0|No universal school meal program}}]]

[[Image:School Lunch Programs.gif|thumb|Recipient of the U.S. School Lunch Program in 1936]]

====History====
School lunches at the national level began as a temporary [[New Deal]] project in 1933. By 1935 it was run by the [[Works Progress Administration|WPA]] in 1935–1942, as a way to employ the unemployed, feed hungry children, and reduce crop surpluses. It was ended in World War II when the WPA closed. In 1937 the WPA reported, "In the past year and a half 80,000,000 hot well-balanced meals have been served at the rate of 500,000 daily in 10,000 schools throughout the country."<ref>Ellen S. Woodward, "Hot Lunches for a Million School Children" [https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/eras/great-depression/hot-lunches-million-school-children/ online]</ref>

The permanent [[National School Lunch Program]] was created in 1946, with the [[National School Lunch Act]].<ref name=usda>{{cite web |url=http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/NSLPFactSheet.pdf |title=National School Lunch Program |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=September 2013 |website=Food and Nutrition Service |publisher=United States Department of Agriculture |access-date=21 May 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519052317/http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/NSLPFactSheet.pdf |archive-date=19 May 2016 }}</ref> This legislation won rural support because it removed surplus food from the market and thus raised prices paid to farmers.<ref>{{cite book|last=Poppendieck|first=Janet|title=Free For All: Fixing School Food in America|year=2010|publisher=[[University of California, Berkeley]]|isbn=978-0520269880}}</ref> Congress intended these meals to promote and protect child nutrition, while also supporting the consumption of American farm products.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Ziperstein|first=Robyn|title=School Food, Inc.: The Contracting of America's National School Lunch Program and its Nutritional Consequences|journal=The Cornell Policy Review|date=3 March 2013|url=http://blogs.cornell.edu/policyreview/2012/03/15/school-food-inc-the-contracting-of-america’s-national-school-lunch-program-and-its-nutritional-consequences/| publisher=Cornell University Institute for Public Affairs |access-date=21 May 2016}}</ref>

====Current status====
[[File:Rachael Ray Windy City Harvest Lunch - Flickr - USDAgov.jpg|thumb|Chicken, sweet and spicy baked beans, and glazed carrots were part of the new recipe served to students in Chicago schools, 2011.]]
Today, the National School Lunch Program is a federal nutrition assistance program operating in over 101,000 public schools, non-profit private schools, and residential care institutions. It is regulated and administered [[Federal government of the United States|at the federal level]] by the [[Food and Nutrition Service]] of the [[United States Department of Agriculture]] (USDA). The program provides "nutritionally balanced meals" at low or no cost to more than 31 million children each school day.<ref name=usda/>

Since its inception, the Program has expanded substantially. It now includes the [[School Breakfast Program]], the Snack Program, a [[Child and Adult Care Food Program]], and the [[Summer Food Service Program]]. At the State level, the National School Lunch Program is usually administered by state education agencies, which operate the program through agreements with school food authorities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fns.usda.gov/programs-and-services |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127165412/http://www.fns.usda.gov/programs-and-services/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 27, 2013 |title=Programs and Services |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=26 March 2014 |website=Food and Nutrition Service |publisher=United States Department of Agriculture |access-date=21 May 2016 }}</ref>

School meal programs in the United States provide meals free of charge, or at a reduced (government-subsidized) price, to the children of low-income families. Those who do not qualify for free or reduced price are charged a nominal fee.<ref name=usda/>

====Contents and nutritional guidelines====
School lunches must meet over the course of one week the applicable recommendations of the [[Dietary Guidelines for Americans]], which were criticized for high sugar limits.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fao.org/nutrition/education/food-dietary-guidelines/home/en/ | title=Food-based dietary guidelines}}</ref> These guidelines state that no more than 30 percent of an individual's calories should come from fat, and less than 10 percent from [[saturated fat]]. Regulations also state that school lunches must provide one-third of the [[Recommended Dietary Allowance]]s of protein, [[vitamin A]], [[vitamin C]], [[iron]], [[calcium]], and calories.
[[File:First Lady Michelle Obama has lunch with students.jpg|thumb|Former First Lady [[Michelle Obama]] with students in [[Virginia]] sampling healthy meals being introduced by the [[United States Department of Agriculture]]]]
Since the [[Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010]] [[Michelle Obama]] has advocated for the importance of healthy school lunches. Schools were having difficulty enforcing nutrition values in fear of being wasteful because children are no longer eating their lunches. The amount of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and sodium levels were a political compromise. To avoid further conflict between the senate and the administration, the [[USDA]] has tolerated exemptions pertaining to the whole grain standard and allowed schools to do what they find necessary to finding a more fitting solution.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2017/05/01/526451207/trump-administration-rolls-back-2-of-michelle-obamas-signature-initiatives|title=Trump Administration Rolls Back Michelle Obama's Healthy School Lunch Push|website=NPR.org|date=May 2017 |language=en|access-date=24 February 2019|last1=Taylor |first1=Jessica }}</ref>

Vending machines in schools are also a major source of food for students. Under pressure from parents and anti-obesity advocates, many school districts moved to ban [[soft drink|sodas]], junk foods, and candy from vending machines and cafeterias.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Otto, Mary |author2=Aratani, Lori |name-list-style=amp |title=Soda Ban Means Change at Schools: Policy Bolsters Regional Systems That Already Limited Sales |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/03/AR2006050302399_pf.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=4 May 2006 |access-date=21 May 2016 }}</ref> Various laws have also been passed to limit foods sold in school vending machines. With increasing concern over traditional vending machines in schools, healthier vending options have gained popularity and are steadily being adopted by schools around the nation.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--CBS News Staff--> |title=School vending machine laws would help kids lose weight, study shows |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/school-vending-machine-laws-would-help-kids-lose-weight-study-shows/ |newspaper=CBS News |date=13 August 2012 |access-date=21 May 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.grbj.com/articles/75826-healthier-snacks-from-smarter-machines |title=Healthier snacks from smarter machines: Young entrepreneur studied vending machine management at MSU |author=Daly, Pete |date=29 December 2012 |website=Grand Rapids Business Journal Online |publisher=Gemini Publications |access-date=21 May 2016 |archive-date=12 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112231636/http://www.grbj.com/articles/75826-healthier-snacks-from-smarter-machines |url-status=dead }}</ref> Marketing for such "healthy vending machines" states that they allow students to perform better in school while also attaining better health.

==Asia==
===China===
{{expand section|date=October 2012}}
A typical school lunch in [[the People's Republic of China]] includes [[staple food]], [[Meat|meat diet]], [[Vegetable|vegetable dish]], and each school has different kind of dishes. Students can choose between two and three dishes according to their preferences, with a staple food, usually [[rice]].

In impoverished rural areas, students' access to nutritious food is limited. The government has funded "nutritious lunch" schemes in rural public schools to combat [[malnutrition]].<ref name="SinaFood">{{Cite news |url=http://edu.sina.com.cn/zxx/2017-08-01/doc-ifyinvwu4247238.shtml |title=这顿饭花了国家1600亿 营养午餐计划效果如何 |work=Sina Education |access-date=3 February 2019}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2019}} Government data from June 2017 indicated that 48% of schools were unable to fully meet recommended nutrition standards.<ref name="QQFood">{{Cite news |url=https://view.news.qq.com/original/intouchtoday/n3911.html |title=农村学校营养餐近半数未达标，该学学日本 |last=Wei |first=Wei |date=3 June 2017 |work=Tencent News}}</ref>

===India===
{{Main|Midday Meal Scheme}}School meals are provided for free at public schools in India.

====History====
The roots of India's school meal program can be traced back to the pre-independence era, when a mid day meal programme was introduced in 1925 in [[Madras Corporation]] by the British administration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mdm.nic.in/aboutus.html |title=About the Mid Day Meal Scheme |publisher=Mdm.nic.in |access-date=28 July 2013}}</ref> This was one of the oldest free food programmes for schoolchildren. In 1975, the [[Government of India|Indian government]] created the [[Integrated Child Development Services]] (ICDS) programme. Under the [[Midday Meal Scheme]], government high schools and partially aided schools, along with [[Anganwadi]]s, provide midday meals to students. As of 2022, the total cost of providing free meals to students in India is {{INRConvert|22000|c}} of which 60% is paid by the federal government and 40% is paid by the states.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Budget for Mid-Day Meals Gets a Boost, but Still Lower Than UPA's Allocations|url=https://thewire.in/economy/interim-budget-2019-mid-day-meal-nda|access-date=9 September 2020|website=The Wire}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://factly.in/data-budget-allocation-for-mid-day-meals-icds-reduced-in-2022-23/ | title=Data: Budget allocation for Mid-Day Meals & ICDS reduced in 2022-23 | date=15 February 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/west-bengal-to-serve-chicken-fruits-in-mid-day-meals-for-four-months/articleshow/96768499.cms | title=West Bengal to serve chicken, fruits in mid-day meals for four months | newspaper=The Times of India | date=5 January 2023 }}</ref>

By 1998, India had deployed the National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education (NP-NSPE) scheme. During the 2013–2014 school year, the scheme covered 104 million children in 1.16 million schools.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mdm.nic.in/aboutus.html |title=About the Indian Mid Day Meal Scheme |website=Mid Day Meal Scheme |publisher=Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of India |access-date=21 May 2016}}</ref>

====Contents====
A single afternoon lunch usually contains a [[cereal]] which is locally available, made in a way that conforms to prevailing local customs. Each child receives milk, and either soup or vegetables cooked as [[curry]]. Under the scheme of the Indian government, each primary level student must be provided with 100 grams of food grains each day, along with 20 grams of protein, 50 grams of leafy vegetables and 5 grams of oil and fat. For upper-primary and senior students, they must be provided with 150 grams of food grains, 30 grams of protein, 75 grams of leafy vegetables and 7.5 grams of oil and fat.<ref>{{Cite web|title=::Welcome to Mid Day Meal|url=http://mdm.nic.in/mdm_website/Meal%20Provision.html|access-date=9 September 2020|website=mdm.nic.in}}</ref> In accordance with nutritional guidelines, primary level students are given 450 grams of calories and 12 grams of proteins each day and senior and upper-primary level students are given 700 grams of calories and 20 grams of proteins each day.<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 September 2019|title=Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2019: 10 Things To Know About India's Mid-Day Meal Scheme, World's Largest School Feeding Program {{!}} National Nutrition Month|url=https://swachhindia.ndtv.com/national-nutrition-month-things-to-know-about-india-mid-day-meal-scheme-world-largest-school-feeding-program-38040/|access-date=9 September 2020|website=NDTV-Dettol Banega Swasth Swachh India|language=en-US}}</ref> The rice and other graines served during the midday meal is fortified with nutrients such as iron, vitamin B<sub>12</sub> and folate.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2022/04/08/centre-approves-distribution-of-fortified-rice-under-various-govt-schemes.html | title=Centre approves distribution of fortified rice under various govt schemes | website=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]] }}</ref>

Children in private schools usually carry their own [[lunch box]]es. Many schools also have canteens, and street food vendors can often be found in front of school campuses.{{Citation needed|date=May 2017}}

=== Iran ===
In the 1960s, Shah [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]] had intended a [[non-violent]] regeneration of [[Iran]]ian society through economic and social [[Reform movement|reforms]] called the [[White Revolution]]. The reforms' long-term goal was to transform Iran into a global economic and industrial power. The White Revolution consisted of 19 elements that were introduced over a period of 15 years. In 1975, the Shah started a program for 'Free and Compulsory Education and a daily free meal' for all children from [[kindergarten]] to 14 years of age. It provided one-third of a [[pint]] of free milk to all children in Iran, as well as [[pistachio]]s, fresh fruit, and biscuits.{{Citation needed|date=May 2017}}

===Japan===
{{main|School lunch in Japan}}
[[File:Japanese school lunch in the Showa period.jpg|thumb|Reproduced Japanese school lunch 1970s]]
====History====
[[File:SchoolLunch KyushokuToban.jpg|thumb|In Japan, students set and clean the tables.]]
In [[Japan]], the tradition of providing school lunches started in the early 20th century. After [[World War II]], which brought near-[[famine]] conditions to the country, the [[Government of Japan|Japanese government]] re-introduced school lunches in urban areas. School lunch was extended to all elementary schools in Japan in 1952. With the enactment of the School Lunch Law in 1954, school meals were extended to [[junior high schools]] as well.{{Citation needed|date=May 2017}}

These early lunches initially included items such as bread, bread rolls, and [[powdered milk|skimmed milk powder]] (replaced in 1958 by milk bottles and cartons). Later, lunches were expanded to include [[flour]] donated by an American [[charitable organization|charity]]; a dessert; and a dish (such as [[daikon]]) that changed daily.<ref name=washingtonpost.com>{{cite news| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/on-japans-school-lunch-menu-a-healthy-meal-made-from-scratch/2013/01/26/5f31d208-63a2-11e2-85f5-a8a9228e55e7_story.html | newspaper=The Washington Post | first=Chico | last=Harlan | title=On Japan's school lunch menu: A healthy meal, made from scratch | date=30 January 2013 |access-date=21 May 2016 |publisher=WP Company LLC}}</ref> Other dishes included inexpensive protein such as stewed bean dishes, fried white [[fish]], and, until the 1970s, [[whale meat]]. Provisions of [[rice]] were introduced in 1976, following a [[Excess supply|surplus]] of government-distributed Japanese rice, and became increasingly frequent during the 1980s. [[Hamburg steak]], [[stew]] and [[Japanese curry]] became staples as well.{{Citation needed|date=May 2017}}

====Current status====
As of 2004, 99% of [[Elementary schools in Japan|elementary school]] students and 82% of [[junior high school]] students in Japan ate {{Transliteration|ja|kyūshoku}} (school lunch).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/toukei/001/index24a.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041205044027/http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/toukei/001/index24a.htm |archive-date=5 December 2004 |script-title=ja:学校給食実施状況調査 |language=ja |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |publisher=Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology |access-date=21 May 2016 |quote=[https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.archive.org%2Fweb%2F20041205044027%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.mext.go.jp%2Fb_menu%2Ftoukei%2F001%2Findex24a.htm English translation from Google Translate]}}</ref> The food is grown locally, is almost never frozen, and (barring dietary restrictions) is the same for every student.<ref name=washingtonpost.com/> Children in most districts cannot bring their own meals to school until they reach high school, nor do schools have vending machines; instead, children are taught to eat what they are served.<ref name=washingtonpost.com/>

In both elementary school and [[middle school]], students put on white coats and caps and serve their classmates, who then all eat together in their classrooms instead of in a cafeteria.<ref name=washingtonpost.com/>

To make lunches affordable for students, municipalities pay for the labor costs, while parents, who are billed monthly, pay for the ingredients.<ref name=washingtonpost.com/> These typically cost about 250 to 300 [[Japanese yen|yen]] (about US$3) per meal per student. There are reduced-price and free options for poorer families.<ref name=washingtonpost.com/>

====Contents and nutritional guidelines====
The daily lunches are designed by [[nutritionist]]s to provide a balanced yet tasty meal for schoolchildren, working especially to appeal to picky or unhealthy eaters.<ref name=washingtonpost.com/> According to Chico Harlan:<ref name=washingtonpost.com/>

{{Quote
|Though Japan's central government sets basic nutritional guidelines, regulation is surprisingly minimal. Not every meal has to meet precise caloric guidelines......Central government officials say they have ultimate authority to step in if schools are serving unhealthy food, but they can't think of any examples where that actually happened. ... And because this is food-obsessed Japan, those standard meals are restaurant-worthy; in fact, [[Adachi, Tokyo|Adachi Ward]] publishes a full-color cookbook based on its best school meals. [However,] [[Japanese cuisine]] isn't automatically healthy; it includes crispy chicken, rich bowls of salty [[ramen]] with [[pork belly]] and battered and deep-fried [[tempura]]. But, like most cuisines, it can be healthy. ... You don't see dessert, other than fruit and yogurt. You occasionally see fried food, but in stark moderation.
}}

===Malaysia===
[[File:Nongkolud Sabah Malaysia Government-Milk-for-School-Children-01.jpg|thumb|upright| "One Malaysia" School Milk, provided as part of a Government Program to enhance health of school children]]
In most [[Malaysia]]n schools, regardless of whether they are public or private schools, students eat in a canteen where they purchase food and drinks from vendors. School canteens usually offer [[Malay cuisine|Malay]], [[Chinese Cuisine|Chinese]], and [[Indian Cuisine|Indian]] foods, with varieties of rice, noodles, and breads. The average Malaysian school canteen offers varieties of [[Nasi Lemak]], [[Nasi Goreng]], [[Hainanese Chicken Rice|Chicken Rice]], [[Popiah]], and [[Laksa]].<ref name=malaysia/>

School canteens sell food and drinks at reduced prices. Underprivileged students can apply for the free-food program {{ndash}} which, depending on the school, is either sponsored by the school's [[parent–teacher association]] or by the [[Ministry of Education (Malaysia)|Ministry of Education]].<ref name=malaysia>{{cite web |url=http://www.moe.gov.my/en/rmt |title=Supplementary Food Programme |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=24 December 2012 |publisher=Ministry of Education of Malaysia |access-date=21 May 2016 }}</ref> Low-income students may also be eligible for the School Milk Program, which is funded by milk companies and [[non-governmental organization]]s.<ref name=malaysiamilk>{{cite web |url=http://www.moe.gov.my/en/pss |title=The Schools Milk Programme (SMP) |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=24 December 2012 |publisher=Ministry of Education of Malaysia |access-date=21 May 2016 }}</ref>

===Philippines===
Republic Act 11037, signed in 2018, is the [[Government of the Philippines|Philippine government]]'s national feeding program to address malnutrition among Filipino students. The [[Department of Education (Philippines)|Department of Education (DepEd)]] heads the school-based feeding program for public school children from kindergarten to Grade 6. The program covers the whole school year, offering hot meals free of charge, based on a menu cycle that is approved by the DepEd central office. The ''Gulayan sa Paaralan'' (Vegetable garden in Schools) program, also spearheaded by DepEd, assists schools in cultivating vegetables and other nutrient-rich plants to supplement feeding initiatives. Moreover, a milk-feeding program, a micronutrient feeding program, vaccinations, and health examinations are among those provided by the government. <ref>{{cite web |title=Duterte signs law on national feeding program |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1040302 |website=www.pna.gov.ph |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=DepEd expands school-based feeding program to combat malnutrition |url=https://pia.gov.ph/deped-expands-school-based-feeding-program-to-combat-malnutrition/ |work=Philippine Information Agency |date=4 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=DepEd expands feeding program from 120 days to full school year |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/01/25/2328463/deped-expands-feeding-program-120-days-full-school-year |access-date=29 June 2025 |work=Philstar.com}}</ref>

===Singapore===
School meals in most [[Singapore]]an primary and secondary schools, as well as [[junior college]]s, are provided in each school's canteen (or tuckshop). The canteens consist of stalls which sell a variety of foods as well as beverages. To cater to the many races, religions, and cultures in Singapore, canteens often offer a range of cuisines, like Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Western foods.<ref>{{cite web|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=|title=Healthy Meals in Schools Programme Criteria 2016|url=https://www.hpb.gov.sg/docs/default-source/default-document-library/healthy-meals-in-schools-programme-criteria28038bf6468366dea7adff00000d8c5a.pdf?sfvrsn=0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207182525/https://www.hpb.gov.sg/docs/default-source/default-document-library/healthy-meals-in-schools-programme-criteria28038bf6468366dea7adff00000d8c5a.pdf?sfvrsn=0|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 February 2021|access-date=21 May 2016|website=Healthy Meals in School Programme|publisher=Government of Singapore}}</ref>

To encourage healthier eating habits among children, the [[Health Promotion Board]] of Singapore launched the Healthy Eating in Schools Programme, which gives an award to schools which serve healthy meals. To receive the award, schools must reduce the sugar content in drinks and desserts, serve fewer deep-fried and fatty foods, and include two servings of greens in their meals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/programmes-article/3088|title=Healthy Meals in Schools Programme|date=3 March 2016|website=Health Promotion Board|publisher=Government of Singapore |access-date=21 May 2016}}</ref>

===South Korea===
[[File:A South Korean school lunch.jpg|thumb|A South Korean school lunch]]

[[South Korea]] has provided free school lunches to low-income students since the 1980s at the primary and secondary school levels.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Altindag|first1=Duha T.|last2=Baek|first2=Deokrye|last3=Lee|first3=Hong|last4=Merkle|first4=Jessica|date=1 February 2020|title=Free lunch for all? The impact of universal school lunch on student misbehavior|url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272775719302559|journal=Economics of Education Review|language=en|volume=74|pages=101945|doi=10.1016/j.econedurev.2019.101945|s2cid=201701665 |issn=0272-7757|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

====History====
Elementary schools began to provide meals in the late 1990s, and until the mid-2000s, the program was expanded to middle and high schools. It is funded by local governments and local offices of education, and currently, all elementary schools and most middle and high schools nationwide provide free lunch.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=October 21, 2022 |title=[Oct] Quality school meals in Korea satisfy both nutrition and taste |url=https://www.kocis.go.kr/eng/fpcBoard/view.do?seq=1042942&page=5&pageSize=10&photoPageSize=6&totalCount=0&searchType=null&searchText= |website=[[KOCIS]]}}</ref>

====Contents====
Generally, South Korean school meals consist of meat, fish, or vegetable [[banchan]], as well as soup and [[kimchi]]. These foods, like other Korean dishes, are processed to a minimum and are usually low-fat and high-protein. In addition, the country's government strictly controls the sugar and fat limits of school meals by running several campaigns and educational programs during school mealtimes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=School lunch in South Korea |url=https://sydneylanguagesolutions.com.au/blogs/school-lunch-in-south-korea/ |website=Sydney Language Solutions}}</ref>

====Culture====
Many schools have "Clean Plate Wednesday," which encourages students to eat leftovers to reduce food waste. Delicious foods such as [[Samgyupsal]] and [[bibimbap]] are usually on the menu for the day so that this is more possible.<ref name=":2" />

=== United Arab Emirates ===
{{Off topic|date=September 2018}}

Due to the economic boom, obesity has developed into a known health concern amongst adolescents in the [[United Arab Emirates]]. The past three decades have seen the largest increases in child obesity. Studies have shown that rates of obesity among the UAE's schoolchildren have surpassed the child obesity rates in both the United States and Europe. Traditional cuisine in the [[Persian Gulf]] region, once high-fibre and low-fat, has become Westernized, and now consists of many more high-fat, high-sodium, and high-cholesterol foods. Exercise levels among children have also decreased rapidly, causing the surge of obesity in adolescents.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Bin Zaal|first1=A.A.| last2=Musaiger |first2=A.O. |last3=D'Souza |first3=R. |title=Dietary habits associated with obesity among adolescents in Dubai, United Arab Emirates|journal=Nutrición Hospitalaria|date=2009 |volume=24 |issue=4 |pages=437{{ndash}}444 |pmid=19721923|url=http://scielo.isciii.es/pdf/nh/v24n4/original1.pdf|access-date=21 May 2016}}</ref>

==Europe==
===Estonia===
In Estonia, free school dinners are served in [[elementary school|elementary]] and [[secondary school]]s.<ref name="Public Meal"/>

====Nutritional guidelines====
Nutritional guidelines for Estonian school meals are based on the Estonian [[Food pyramid (nutrition)|food pyramid]]. At the pyramid's base are water and exercise. The next tier up includes starches, fruits, and vegetables. According to Estonia's Food-Based Dietary Guidelines, these foods should comprise the majority of each meal. The middle section of the pyramid includes dairy products and meat. The Guidelines suggest eating these foods in small portions on a daily basis. Just below the top tier are oils, butter and nuts. At the peak of the pyramid are foods like ice cream, soft drinks, honey, and biscuits: high-sugar foods which should be eaten sparingly, as special treats.<ref>{{cite web|title=Food-Based Dietary Guidelines {{ndash}} Estonia|url=http://www.fao.org/nutrition/education/food-based-dietary-guidelines/regions/countries/estonia/en/|website=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations|access-date=20 May 2016}}</ref>

===Finland===
[[Image:finnish school lunch.jpg|thumb|A typical Finnish school lunch served free of charge to all pupils]]

====History====
Finland provides free, catered hot school meals to all pupils from pre-primary to upper secondary education every school day, as guaranteed by the 1948 Basic Education Act.<ref name=investment>{{Cite report |author=Finnish National Board of Education |date=2008 |title=School Meals in Finland: Investment in Learning |url=http://www.oph.fi/download/47657_school_meals_in_finland.pdf |publisher=Finnish National Board of Education |page=1 |access-date=20 May 2016 }}</ref> Section 31 of the Basic Education Act states: "A pupil attending basic education shall be provided with a balanced and appropriately organized and supervised meal on every school day."<ref name=basiceducationact>{{cite web |url=http://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/1998/en19980628.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050501083705/http://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/1998/en19980628.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 1, 2005 |title=Basic Education Act 628/1998: Amendments up to 1136/2010 {{ndash}} Section 31: Free education |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=1948 |website=FINLEX Data Base |publisher=Finnish Ministry of Justice |access-date=20 May 2016 |pages=13{{ndash}}14}}</ref>

Some Finnish cities had offered poor students free school dinners since the beginning of the 20th century. For example, [[Kuopio]] did so starting in 1902, and extended school dinners to all students in 1945.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.koulut.kuopio.fi/Koulu125/1872/ka1872.htm |title=Koulun arkea: rangaistukset |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=1997 |website=Paluu etusivulle |language=fi |access-date=20 May 2016 |quote=[https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.koulut.kuopio.fi%2FKoulu125%2F1872%2Fka1872.htm&edit-text=&act=url English translation from Google Translate]}}</ref>

====Current status====
According to Finnish National Board of Education statistics from the year 2014, the average school meal was valued at 2.80 [[euro]]s per student-school day, totaling 532 euros per student for the school year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vos.uta.fi/rap/kust/v14/k05z6yos.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509202345/http://vos.uta.fi/rap/kust/v14/k05z6yos.html |archive-date=9 May 2016 |title=Käyttökustannukset Opetuksenjärjestäjittäin (Euroa/Oppilas) Ilman Sairaala- Ja Vammaisopetusta |language=fi |author=Finnish National Board of Education |date=2015 |website=Opetushallitus |publisher=Finnish National Board of Education |access-date=20 May 2016 }}</ref> This sum included ingredients, labor costs, kitchen equipment, and other fixed expenses, but neither property costs nor taxes.

Children taking part in before- and [[after-school program|after-school activities]] are also served a free healthy snack.<ref name=":0">{{Cite report |author1=Lindqvist, Kai |author2=Hallakorpi, Antti |name-list-style=amp |date=2008 |title=Kouluruokailusuositus: Valtion Ravitsemusneuvottelukanta 2008 |language=fi |url=http://www.ravitsemusneuvottelukunta.fi/attachments/vrn/kouluruokailu_2008_kevyt_nettiin.pdf |publisher=Valtion Ravitsemus-Neuvottelukunta |pages=1{{ndash}}14 |access-date=20 May 2016 }}</ref>

====Higher education====
Lunches for higher education students (like those attending universities and [[Institute of technology|polytechnics]]) are also [[subsidized]] in Finland. [[Kela (Finnish institution)|Kela]], the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, compensates student meals that fulfill the nutritional and pricing criteria for government meal subsidies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kela.fi/web/en/meal-subsidy?inheritRedirect=true |title=Meal Subsidy |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=Kela |publisher=Kansaneläkelaltos {{ndash}} The Social Insurance Institution of Finland |access-date=20 May 2016 }}</ref> This program's purpose is to promote positive health and nutritional trends among students. The program accommodates special dietary needs – whether in connection with [[Religious dietary laws|religion]], [[food ethics|ethical beliefs]], or health issues – without extra costs.

====Objectives and role in learning====
Free school meals in Finland are viewed as an investment for the future; the aim is to maintain and improve children's health, well-being, and learning.<ref name=investment/> The school meal is used as a [[pedagogical]] tool for teaching table manners, food culture, nutrition, and healthy eating habits, as well as for increasing the consumption of vegetables, fruits and berries, wholemeal bread, and [[skimmed milk|skimmed]] or [[low-fat milk]].<ref>{{Cite report |author1=Fogelholm, Mikael |author2=Hakala, Paula |author3=Kara, Raija |date=2014 |title=Suomalaiset Ravitsemussuositukset 2014 |language=fi |url=http://www.ravitsemusneuvottelukunta.fi/files/attachments/fi/vrn/ravitsemussuositukset_2014_fi_web.pdf |publisher=Valtion Ravitsemus-Neuvottelukunta |pages=5{{ndash}}56 |access-date=20 May 2016 |display-authors=etal}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ravitsemusneuvottelukunta.fi/portal/en/nutrition+recommendations/ |title=Finnish Nutrition Recommendations 2014 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=23 January 2014 |website=The National Nutrition Council |publisher=Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry |access-date=20 May 2016 |archive-date=6 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206102308/http://www.ravitsemusneuvottelukunta.fi/portal/en/nutrition+recommendations |url-status=dead }}</ref> One of the basic lessons is cooperation between students, head teachers, teachers, parents, and catering staff. In many schools, students participate in the work of the school canteen during their [[:fi:Työelämään tutustuminen|working life practice period]]. Most schools have a school meal committee where students, teachers, and catering staff develop school catering together. Most schools also welcome parents to come and taste school meals. There are always adults present in the school restaurant. The pedagogical role of the school catering staff is seen as important, as is teachers' knowledge of nutrition. In 2009, Finland began developing school meal and nutrition education for teachers, and pedagogical education for school catering personnel.<ref>{{cite web|author=Peltonen, Maria |url=http://savotta.helsinki.fi/halvi/tiedotus/lehti.nsf/e1e392ad852e72f5c225680000404fa8/e0376a49e2de9744c225766c001fdf84?OpenDocument |title=HY: Kouluruokailun henkilökunnalla on myös kasvattajan rooli|publisher=University of Helsinki Communications Department |date=11 December 2009 |access-date=20 May 2016 |quote=[http://savotta.helsinki.fi/halvi/tiedotus/lehti.nsf/e1e392ad852e72f5c225680000404fa8/e0376a49e2de9744c225766c001fdf84?OpenDocument English translation from Google Translate]}}</ref>

National and local regulations form the basis for Finnish school meal practices. Education acts and decrees<ref name=basiceducationact/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.edilex.fi/smur/19980629 |title=The General Upper Secondary Schools Act (629/1998) |language=fi |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=21 August 1998 |website=EDILEX |publisher=Finnish Ministry of Education |access-date=20 May 2016 |quote=[https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edilex.fi%2Fsmur%2F19980629&edit-text=&act=url English translation from Google Translate]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/1998/630 |title=The Vocational Education and Training Act (630/1998) |language=fi |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=21 August 1998 |website=FINLEX Data Base |publisher=Finnish Ministry of Justice |access-date=20 May 2016 |quote=[https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edilex.fi%2Fsmur%2F19980629&edit-text=&act=url English translation from Google Translate]}}</ref> and local curricula are central documents governing school meals.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oph.fi/saadokset_ja_ohjeet/opetussuunnitelmien_ja_tutkintojen_perusteet/aamu_ja_iltapaivatoiminta|title=Aamu {{ndash}} ja iltapäivätoiminnan perusteet|date=2011|website=Opetushallitus Utbildningsstyrelsen|access-date=20 May 2016 |quote=[https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fi&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oph.fi%2Fsaadokset_ja_ohjeet%2Fopetussuunnitelmien_ja_tutkintojen_perusteet%2Faamu_ja_iltapaivatoiminta English translation from Google Translate]}}</ref> Local and school-level curricula define the central principles of arranging school catering. The curricula also describe the objectives for education in health, nutrition, and manners. The health-related and social role of school meals, the objectives of teaching nutrition and manners, and the recreational aspect of lunch breaks are taken into account when arranging school meals and snacks. Students are allowed at least 30 minutes for eating, after which they have a short recess outdoors.{{Citation needed|date=May 2017}}

School lunches can also be a channel for empowering [[local food]] producers. Introducing locally produced fish to the offerings of institutional kitchens, such as school canteens, is an ethical and ecological alternative to mass-produced meat or imported fish.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.johnnurmisensaatio.fi/en/local-fish-swims-to-dinner-plates-in-turku/ |title=Local Fish Swims to Dinner Plates in Turku |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2 December 2015 |website=John Nurmisen Säätiö |publisher=John Nurminen Foundation |access-date=20 May 2016 }}</ref>

====Contents and nutritional guidelines====
School meals generally consist of [[Finnish cuisine|typical Finnish foods]]. A basic school meal consists of a warm main course, vegetables, bread, a table spread, and a drink.<ref>{{Cite report |author=Finnish National Board of Education |date=2014 |title=School Meals in Finland |url=http://oph.fi/download/155535_School_meals_in_finland.pdf |publisher=Finnish National Board of Education |pages=1{{ndash}}2 |access-date=20 May 2016 }}</ref> The school lunch is calculated to equate to about one-third of a child's daily nutritional needs. School catering is designed to follow the National Nutrition Council's dietary guidelines for schools.<ref name=":0"/> The recommendations for school meals are being updated during the year 2016.

Normally, Finnish schools provide lunch at school canteens in the form of a [[buffet]], where pupils serve themselves as much as they want. Schools often use a model plate to guide eating habits towards the following recommendations:{{efn|See, for example, [http://www.hel.fi/www/helsinki/en/day-care-education/kouluruokalistat this list of sample school menus] from the city of Helsinki.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hel.fi/www/helsinki/en/day-care-education/kouluruokalistat |title=School Menus |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=8 January 2016 |website=Daycare and Education |publisher=City of Helsinki |access-date=20 May 2016 }}</ref>}}<ref name=":0"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ravitsemusneuvottelukunta.fi/files/attachments/fi/vrn/juomat_lapsi_en_high.pdf |title=Children and Young Persons: You Need 1 {{ndash}} 1.5 Litres of Liquids Daily in Addition to Food |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |publisher=Valtion Ravitsemusneuvottelukunta |access-date=20 May 2016 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304125429/http://www.ravitsemusneuvottelukunta.fi/files/attachments/fi/vrn/juomat_lapsi_en_high.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Fresh and cooked vegetables covering half of the plate
* Potatoes, rice, or pasta covering one quarter of the plate
* Fish at least once a week (preferably twice a week); meat; or beans and sprouts as part of a vegetarian diet covering the remaining quarter of the plate
* Skimmed or semi-skimmed milk, or [[fermented milk products]]
* Water
* Bread with vegetable margarine or a butter-margarine blend
* Berries or fruit for dessert

Children with special dietary needs – whether in connection with religion, ethical beliefs or health issues – are entitled to a special diet without costs. School menus are designed to be suitable for most students, with minor adjustments if needed. If a child has special dietary needs, their school requires specific information about those needs to ensure [[food safety]] and the elimination of possible [[cross contamination]]. In the case of health-related special diets, schools require the assessment of a doctor, nurse, or [[dietitian]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oph.fi/koulutus_ja_tutkinnot/perusopetus/hyvinvointi_ja_turvallisuus/kouluruokailu/kotivaki/erityisruokavaliot|title=Opetushallitus - Erityisruokavaliot|access-date=20 May 2016 |language=fi |quote=[https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fi&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oph.fi%2Fkoulutus_ja_tutkinnot%2Fperusopetus%2Fhyvinvointi_ja_turvallisuus%2Fkouluruokailu%2Fkotivaki%2Ferityisruokavaliot English translation from Google Translate]}}</ref>

As with school lunches, before- and after-school snacks are used as a pedagogical tool in teaching children about proper nutrition, table manners, and food culture. Snacks are designed to offer variety and take into consideration Finnish Nutrition Recommendations as well as children's individual needs.<ref name=":0"/>

====The School Lunch Diploma====
Finland has no national [[accreditation]] system to evaluate the quality of school lunches. However, by the end of 2015, over 200 schools had been awarded the School Lunch Diploma.<ref name=diploma>{{cite web |url=http://www.kouluruokadiplomi.fi/schoollunchdiploma/ |title=The School Lunch Diploma |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=Kouluruoka Diplomi |access-date=20 May 2016 }}</ref> The diploma certifies a school's commitment to the national standards and recommendations for nutritionally, educationally, and ecologically [[sustainability|sustainable]] school lunches.<ref name=diploma/> It is also an indication of excellent collaboration among interest groups within the school. The School Lunch Diploma is coordinated by the Finnish Kitchen Professionals Association.{{Citation needed|date=May 2017}}

===France===
====History====
In the 1970s, the [[Government of France|French government]] began to work on improving school lunches. In 1971, the government established nutritional guidelines for French school meals. The 1971 food recommendation guidelines stated that each meal should contain raw vegetables, such as salads and fruits; protein in the form of milk or other dairy products; cooked vegetables twice per week; and carbohydrates on the remaining days.<ref name="theguardian">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2005/mar/30/schoolmeals.schools1|title=School Meals Around the World|work=The Guardian|date=30 March 2005|access-date=20 May 2016|location=London}}</ref>

====Current status====
In France, lunch is considered the most important meal of the day. Students can get lunch at school or go home for it. The lunch break is one to two hours long. French students are taught to take time to savor and enjoy their meals.<ref name="theage"/> Students have to pay for cafeteria lunches; the cost of the meal varies by region. A student's family pays for half of the meal, while the school pays for the remainder. For example, a typical meal may cost $6, with the family paying $3 instead of the full price.<ref name="theguardian"/>

A well-known school catering subscription company in France is called "Turboself".

====Contents and nutritional guidelines====
The 2001 food recommendation guidelines, signed by the Minister for National Education, state that school lunches must be healthy and balanced. Menus vary daily, and are posted for parents. Specifically, the guidelines state that:<ref name="theage">{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/restaurants-and-bars/sandwiches-mais-non-20100216-o82i.html |author=Santich, Barbara |title=Sandwiches, Mais Non |work=The Age |date=17 November 2009 |access-date=20 May 2016 |location=Melbourne, Australia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815062740/http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/restaurants-and-bars/sandwiches-mais-non-20100216-o82i.html |archive-date=15 August 2012 |publisher=Fairfax Media }}</ref>
* There should be very little fat in school foods
* School meals must contain [[vitamin]]s and [[Dietary element|minerals]]
* The main course of each school meal must contain meat, fish, or eggs

School cafeterias serve five-course meals, even for preschoolers.<ref name="timemagazine">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1967060,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100225191345/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1967060,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 February 2010|title=Teaching Kids to Eat Healthy: School Lunches in France |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|TIME]] |date=23 February 2010| author=Walt, Vivienne |access-date=20 May 2016 |publisher=Time, Inc.}}</ref> Schoolchildren eat the same things as adults.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kitchendaily.com/2010/02/22/school-lunches-around-the-world/|title=School Lunches Around the World|work=Kitchen Daily|date=22 February 2010 |access-date=20 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100827155951/http://www.kitchendaily.com/2010/02/22/school-lunches-around-the-world/ |archive-date=27 August 2010 |author=Stern, Steven |publisher=AOL Inc.}}</ref> A school lunch in France contains an [[appetizer]], [[salad]], [[main course]], [[cheese plate]], and dessert.<ref name="timemagazine"/> Bread may accompany each meal. A menu might include [[potato]] [[leek]] [[soup]], [[carrot]] and [[bean]] [[salad]], [[lamb and mutton|lamb]] with [[saffron]], an assortment of cheeses, and [[grapefruit]]. Each meal is accompanied with water.<ref name=france/>

French schools do not have [[vending machine]]s.<ref name=france>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/4298245.stm |title=School Dinners Around the World|work=BBC News Online |publisher=BBC|date=12 March 2005|access-date=20 May 2016}}</ref>

===Italy===
School meals in [[Italy]] provide regular [[Italian cuisine]], although they may vary among regions and towns. The [[Government of Italy|Italian government]] is very "down to people" and is doing a large-scale study to measure and involve students in food habits, diets, and food choices.<ref name="A Table of Colors">{{cite web| url=http://dietne.com/a-table-of-colors/ | title=A Table of Colors | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326095254/http://dietne.com/a-table-of-colors/ |archive-date=26 March 2016| date=4 November 2015 |access-date=20 May 2016 |publisher=Dietne: Diet Nutrition and Education}}</ref> However, many parents struggle for the right to pack home meals for their children since school food is rather expensive.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-49190625|title=Packed lunches not a right in Italian schools, court rules|date=1 August 2019|website=BBC News}}</ref>

===Norway===
Norwegian school lunches were supplied from Sweden during [[World War II]], partly privately financed. Later, all public school lunches were discontinued, so most Norwegian students bring a packed lunch from home. In 2007, schools began providing one free piece of fruit each day for all pupils in grades 8–10. Norwegian schools also sell subsidized milk.{{Citation needed|date=May 2017}}

===Sweden===
School lunches have been free in [[Sweden|Swedish]] elementary schools since 1973.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Cross, Maria |author2=MacDonald, Barbara |name-list-style=amp |date=26 January 2009 |title=Nutrition in Institutions |url=https://archive.org/details/nutritioninstitu00cros|url-access=limited |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |page=[https://archive.org/details/nutritioninstitu00cros/page/n110 86] |isbn=978-1444301670}}</ref> The government or [[municipality]] covers all charges. Normally, school lunches are buffet-style. Buffets chiefly include potatoes, pasta or rice; meat or fish; and vegetables. Milk and water are usually offered as drinks.{{Citation needed|date=February 2011}} There are also vegetarian options, as well as foods that meet religious requirements; these foods are also free of charge. Upper secondary schools do not have to provide meals for their students, but many, both public and charter schools do.<ref>{{cite web |access-date=23 January 2018| title=Mat i förskolan och skolan |url=https://www.skolverket.se/regelverk/mer-om-skolans-ansvar/mat-i-skolan-1.185012| language=sv}}</ref>

Usually, each municipality signs a private contract with a catering company which provides school food. Many of the food products are imported, but still have a good standard. In many schools, teachers or the [[school principal]] eat with the pupils, with the goal of creating a stronger connection between students and school authorities.<ref name="official food info">{{cite web |url=http://www.skolmatsverige.se/skolmaltidens-kvalitet-lasaret-201213 |title=Skolmåltidens kvalitet läsåret 2012/13 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date= 2013 |publisher=SkolmatSverige |access-date=20 May 2016 |language=sv |quote=[https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=sv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skolmatsverige.se%2Fskolmaltidens-kvalitet-lasaret-201213 English translation from Google Translate]}}</ref> In Swedish schools there are also international food weeks, or vegetarian weeks.

A 2021 study, which used the gradual implementation of free, nutritious school lunches across Sweden, found that the school lunches led to improvements in health and educational outcomes, as well as improvements in adult income.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Lundborg|first1=Petter|last2=Rooth|first2=Dan-Olof|last3=Alex-Petersen|first3=Jesper|date=2021|title=Long-Term Effects of Childhood Nutrition: Evidence from a School Lunch Reform|url=https://doi.org/10.1093/restud/rdab028|journal=The Review of Economic Studies|volume=89 |issue=2 |pages=876–908 |doi=10.1093/restud/rdab028|issn=0034-6527|hdl=10419/177038|hdl-access=free}}</ref> 

===United Kingdom===
====History====
School meal programs in the United Kingdom can be traced back to the [[Education (Provision of Meals) Act 1906]].

In 1944, the United Kingdom required local authorities to provide school dinners that were consistent with legal nutritional requirements. The government paid the full cost of school meals in 1947.<ref name="ReferenceC"/> Free school meals were available to children with families on very low incomes.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writers--> |title=Jamie's School Dinners |url=http://www.channel4.com/programmes/jamies-school-dinners |newspaper=Channel 4 |location=London |access-date=20 May 2016 |publisher=Channel 4 Television Corporation}}</ref> As a result, from the 1950s onward, staple traditional "school dinner" foods became embedded in the national psyche. "School [[pudding]]s" in particular refers to desserts historically served with school dinners in both state and independent schools. Examples include tarts such as [[gypsy tart]] and [[Manchester tart]], and hot puddings such as [[spotted dick]] and [[treacle sponge pudding]].{{efn|British [[celebrity chef]] [[Gordon Ramsay]] discusses school puddings as [[comfort food]] in ''The Times''.<ref>{{cite news |author=Ramsay, Gordon |title=Food and Drink: Gordon Ramsay <!--Created default title {{ndash}} article is behind paywall --> |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/gordon_ramsay/article1304892.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070319054850/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/gordon_ramsay/article1304892.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 19, 2007 |newspaper=The Times Online |location=London |access-date=20 May 2016}}</ref>}}

In the 1980s, [[Margaret Thatcher]]'s [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] government ended entitlement to free meals for thousands of children, and obliged local authorities to open up provision of school meals to competitive tender. This was intended to reduce the cost of school meals provided by local authorities. However, it caused a substantial decrease in the standard of school food.{{Citation needed|date=May 2017}} A 1999 survey by the [[Medical Research Council (UK)|Medical Research Council]] suggested that despite [[Rationing in the United Kingdom|rationing]], children in 1950 had healthier diets than their counterparts in the 1990s, with more [[nutrient]]s and less fat and sugar.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://education-uk.org/articles/22food.html |title=Food for Thought: Child Nutrition, the School Dinner and the Food Industry |author=Gillard, Derek |date=June 2003 |publisher= Education in England: The History of Our Schools |access-date=20 May 2016 }}</ref>

This became a major topic of [[debate]] in 2004, when [[chef]] [[Jamie Oliver]] spearheaded a campaign to improve the quality of school meals. At this time, school dinners at state schools were normally made by outside caterers. The schools sold a lot of deep-fried [[fast food]], like chips, fried turkey nuggets, pizza, and pies. After the "Jamie's School Dinners" programme was shown on [[Channel 4]], sections of the public showed support for increased school meal funding, causing the government to create the [[School Food Trust]]. This topic became a factor in the [[2005 United Kingdom general election|2005 UK general election]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Campbell|first1=Denis|title=How to save school dinners – part two|url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2011/oct/24/jamie-oliver-fight-healthy-eating-schools|website=The Guardian|access-date=21 November 2017|date=24 October 2011}}</ref>

====Current status====
The principal legislation is The Requirements for School Food Regulations 2014. School governors are responsible for the provision of food in schools. They must ensure compliance with food standards, suitable accommodation for children to eat provided meals and food brought in from home in a calm and enjoyable way, as well as oversee the take-up of school meals and financial aspects of school food provision.<ref>{{cite web |title=School food in England Advice for governing boards |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/788884/School-food-in-England-April2019-FINAL.pdf |website=publishing.service.gov.uk |access-date=6 November 2020 |date=March 2019}}</ref><ref name="childlaw">{{cite web |title=School Meals |url=https://childlawadvice.org.uk/information-pages/school-food-in-england/ |website=childlawadvice.org.uk |access-date=6 November 2020}}</ref>

Since September 2014, all infant pupils (four to seven years age group) in English schools have been entitled to a free hot meal at lunchtime every day. This was an initiative of [[Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Deputy Prime Minister]] [[Nick Clegg]], who launched the plan at the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]] conference in 2013. At the initiative's inception, the government was paying £2.30 for each meal taken by newly eligible pupils.<ref name=infants/>

Since January 2015, the [[Government of Scotland|Scottish government]] has provided free school meals for all children in Primary One to Three.<ref name=infants>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer--> |title=Q&A: Free School Meals for Infants |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/education-28981684 |newspaper=BBC News Online |date=2 September 2014 |access-date=20 May 2016 }}</ref>

Similar schemes are in place for Wales and Northern Ireland. 

The [[Government of the United Kingdom|British government]] uses entitlement to free school meals as a measure of deprivation. For the financial year 2014–2015, the government paid schools a premium of £1,300 for primary-aged pupils, or £935 for secondary-aged pupils, for each eligible child. 11% of families entitled to free meals do not claim them, which means that their schools do not receive the extra funding. It was unclear in 2014 how this would be affected by the introduction of universal free meals for the youngest British schoolchildren.<ref>{{cite news |author=Coughlan, Sean |title=Free School Meals Threat to Poor Pupil Funds, Say Heads |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/education-26665336 |newspaper=BBC News Online |date=20 March 2014 |access-date=20 May 2016 }}</ref>

In August 2019 it was revealed that local government planning for a [[No-deal Brexit]] encompassed the possibility of needing to change legal requirements underpinning the provision of school meals, for example by making them more expensive or less healthy; possibly even discarding the requirements entirely. One council also said that "special dietary requirements may be difficult to meet" and that fresh food might have to be replaced with frozen and tinned goods, while another mentioned the possibility of a return to rationing.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-49397728|title=School lunch standards warning under no-deal Brexit|last=Islam|first=Faisal|date=19 August 2019|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=19 August 2019}}</ref>

====School meal standards 2014====
The school meal standards for England developed in 2014 include:
*  High-quality meat, poultry or oily fish
*  Bread, cereals or potatoes
*  at least 1 portions of vegetables or salad as an accompaniment every day
*  at least 3 different fruits, and 3 different vegetables each week
*  an emphasis on wholegrain foods in place of refined carbohydrates
*  an emphasis on making water the drink of choice
*       limiting fruit juice portions to 150 ml
*       restricting the amount of added sugars or honey in other drinks to 5%
*   no more than 2 portions a week of food that has been deep fried, batter coated, or breadcrumb coated
*  no more than 2 portions of food which includes pastry each week<ref>{{cite web |title=New school food standards |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-school-food-standards |website=GOV.UK |access-date=6 November 2020 |language=en}}[[File:UKOpenGovernmentLicence.svg|30px]] This article contains quotations from this source, which is available under the [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/  Open Government Licence v3.0]. © Crown copyright</ref>
*  A ban on drinks with added sugars, crisps, chocolates or sweets in school meals or vending machines<ref name="standard 2014">{{cite web|first=Laura|last=Jabri |title=Impact of Healthy School Meals |url=http://www.foodtalk.org.uk/impact-of-healthy-school-meals/ |website=FoodTalk |access-date=6 November 2020 |date=24 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=School-Food-Standards-Guidance |url=http://www.schoolfoodplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/School-Food-Standards-Guidance-FINAL-V3.pdf |website=www.schoolfoodplan.com |access-date=6 November 2020 |date=2015}}</ref>

====Eligibility====
As of November 2020, parents may apply for free school meals for children at school or in certain institutions up to the July after their 19th birthday.<ref name="fsm uk"/>
* [[Income Support]]
* income-based [[Jobseeker's Allowance]]
* income-related [[Employment and Support Allowance]]
* Support under Part VI of the [[Immigration and Asylum Act 1999]]
* the guaranteed element of [[Pension Credit]]
* [[Child Tax Credit]] when not receiving [[Working Tax Credit]] with an annual gross income of less than £16,190
* Working Tax Credit run-on
* [[Universal Credit]] -with a household income of less than £7,400 a year (after tax and before benefits)
and if they are in years R, 1 and 2.<ref name="fsm uk">{{cite web |title=Apply for free school meals |url=https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals |website=GOV.UK |access-date=30 November 2020 |language=en}} [[File:UKOpenGovernmentLicence.svg|30px]] This article contains quotations from this source, which is available under the [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/  Open Government Licence v3.0]. © Crown copyright</ref>

====Disadvantaged Children and Pupil Premium====
The receipt of Free School Meals (FSM) is one of the indicators of disadvantage. It entitles the school to a [[Pupil Premium]], a sum of money, £1,350 {{as of|2021|01|lc=on}}, added to the annual budget.  [[Disadvantaged pupil]]s are a focus group for Ofsted and since 2015 the school's progress in closing the achievement gap between them and other pupils forms a major part in judging the school's outcomes.<ref name="solgrid">{{cite web |title=Pupil premium and disadvantaged pupils |url=https://www.solgrid.org.uk/education/safeguarding/child-protection/issues/disadvantaged-pupils/ |website=www.solgrid.org.uk |publisher=Solihull |access-date=29 January 2021}} [[File:UKOpenGovernmentLicence.svg|30px]] Text was copied from this source, which is available under an [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/  Open Government Licence v3.0]. © Crown copyright.</ref>

====Advocacy====
The [[National Union of Teachers]] supports free school meals for all children. [[Fiona Twycross]] campaigned to persuade the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]] to commit to providing universal free school meals. She argues that according to the [[Institute for Fiscal Studies]] and the [[National Centre for Social Research]], free school meals for all students significantly increases attainment in schools.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sochealth.co.uk/2013/06/26/why-free-school-meals-for-all/ |title=Why Free School Meals for All? |author=Twycross, Fiona |date=26 June 2013 |publisher=Socialist Health Association |access-date=20 May 2016 }}</ref>

Free school meals have become an essential part of the diet of disadvantaged children. During the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom|COVID-19 pandemic lockdown]], these children were out of school and unfed. [[Marcus Rashford#Charity and activism|Marcus Rashford]], a popular footballer, led a successful campaign to cause the government to make a U-turn and to continue to provide meals or food vouchers.<ref name="fsm-telegraph">{{cite news |last1=Yorke |first1=Harry |last2=Rayner |first2=Gordon |title=Free school meals climbdown could see Government fund 'holiday clubs' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2020/10/26/free-school-meals-climbdown-could-see-government-fund-holiday/ |access-date=6 November 2020 |work=The Telegraph |date=26 October 2020}}(paywall)</ref> The Petition that Rashford started on Free School Meals garnered substantial support, passing the 1 million signature mark on 28 October 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|date=28 October 2020|title=Marcus Rashford school meals petition passes 1m signatures|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-54725750|access-date=12 November 2020}}</ref>

Many have criticised school meals due to quality and portions. <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/food-and-drink/features/british-school-meals-terrible-health-schools-nutrition/ | title=Why British school dinners are so terrible – and always have been | work=The Telegraph | date=14 March 2024 | last1=Lytton | first1=Charlotte }}</ref>

==Oceania==
=== Australia ===
{{See also|Childhood obesity in Australia}}
The Healthy Kids Association (previously The Healthy Kids School Canteen Association) is a not-for-profit, non-governmental, health promotion organization based in [[Sydney, Australia]].<ref name=FV>{{cite report |url=http://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/~/media/ResourceCentre/PublicationsandResources/healthy%20eating/FruitVegConsumptionWaste.ashx|page=38|title=Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Waste in Australia|author=Morgan, Emily|publisher=VicHealth: Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, State Government of Victoria |date=March 2009 |access-date=21 May 2016}}</ref> It is a [[peak organisation]] for school canteens in [[New South Wales]] and the [[Australian Capital Territory]] (ACT).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-15/canberra-school-canteen-overhaul-proves-a-success/6547774|title=Canberra school canteen overhaul proves a success, P&C encourages others to follow suit|work=ABC News Australia |date=15 June 2015 |access-date=21 May 2016 |author=Cornish, Ruby}}</ref>

In [[Australia]], many school canteens have returned to offering [[junk food]], or pupils have started buying [[fast food]] outside their schools. The association has developed policies intended to counter these trends; in some schools, they have taken over providing school food.<ref name="NewsComAu 2015">{{cite news | title=Health nazis losing obesity war as pies return to school canteens | work=The Daily Telegraph |location=Surry Hills, New South Wales | date=15 June 2009 | url=http://www.news.com.au/national/health-nazis-losing-obesity-war-as-pies-return-to-school-canteens/story-e6frfkp9-1225734745940 | access-date=21 May 2016}}</ref>

In response to the 2002 Childhood Obesity Summit, former [[Premiers of New South Wales|Premier of New South Wales]] [[Bob Carr]] launched the "Fresh Tastes NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy." Healthy Kids has become a key partner of the [[Australian Ministry of Health|Ministry of Health]] in developing this plan. The strategy is to develop a taste for healthier foods among schoolchildren by promoting and featuring healthier menu options, while limiting the availability of less nutritious foods.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/obesity/adult/canteens.html |title= Childhood Obesity: Healthy School Canteens |access-date= 21 May 2016 |date= 15 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719183407/http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/obesity/adult/canteens.html |archive-date=19 July 2008 |website=NSW Health |publisher=NSW Government}}</ref> The program's menu guide was partially created by [[Rosemary Stanton]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Browne, Rachel |title=Fat lot of good done by healthy canteen rules |url=http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/fat-lot-of-good-done-by-healthy-canteen-rules-20100918-15h4g.html |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |location=Sydney, Australia |date=19 September 2010 |access-date=21 May 2016 |publisher=Fairfax Media}}</ref>

===New Zealand===
{{Main article|School lunches in New Zealand}}
In 2012, [[Hone Harawira]] MP had a [[private member's bill]] to provide free breakfast and lunches for all children in decile 1 and 2 schools in New Zealand was drawn from the ballot. The Education (Breakfast and Lunch Programmes in Schools) Amendment Bill,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/member/2012/0085/latest/DLM4704002.html |title=Education (Breakfast and Lunch Programmes in Schools) Amendment Bill|access-date=29 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122061641/https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/member/2012/0085/latest/DLM4704002.html|archive-date=22 November 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> better known as the "Feed the Kids Bill", has been supported by a broad-based Community Coalition for Food in Schools.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://feedthekids.org.nz/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020415025449/http://www.feedthekids.org.nz/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 April 2002 |title=Feed the Kids |access-date=30 July 2014 }}</ref> A [[1News]] opinion poll found 70 percent support for the Bill's proposal.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/food-in-schools-should-government-funded-poll-5448834|title=Food in schools should be Government-funded - poll|work=[[1News]]|publisher=[[TVNZ]]|date=27 May 2013 |access-date=29 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729221852/http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/food-in-schools-should-government-funded-poll-5448834|archive-date=29 July 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> 

Until 2020, New Zealand did not have any school meal programme, aside from board-run school breakfasts that were not provided by central government. After assuming office, New Zealand's [[Sixth Labour Government of New Zealand|Labour-led government]] announced 20,000 children would benefit from school lunches by 2021.<ref>{{cite news |title= Jacinda Ardern: Free school lunches for thousands of kids|url=https://www.magic.co.nz/home/news/2020/02/jacinda-ardern--free-school-lunches-for-thousands-of-kids.html |work=[[Magic (New Zealand radio network)|Magic Radio]] |date=24 February 2020 |access-date= 7 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923025708/https://www.magic.co.nz/home/news/2020/02/jacinda-ardern--free-school-lunches-for-thousands-of-kids.html|archive-date=23 September 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Jacinda Ardern]] has said this programme will be dramatically expanded to 200,000 students by the end of 2021 (25% of national school rolls) should she retain office.<ref>{{cite news |title=Major expansion of school lunch programme |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/major-expansion-school-lunch-programme|website=Beehive.govt.nz
|publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=11 May 2024|date=14 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512004927/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/major-expansion-school-lunch-programme|archive-date=12 May 2024|url-status=live }}</ref> By May 2023, the Government's NZ$130 million Ka Ora, Ka Ako free lunch school programme fed over 220,000 students at 989 schools, reaching a quarter of all school students in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brettkelly |first1=Sharon |title=Inside the government's school lunches programme |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/the-detail/story/2018888208/inside-the-government-s-school-lunches-programme |access-date=12 May 2024 |work=[[RNZ]] |date=3 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416112601/https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/the-detail/story/2018888208/inside-the-government-s-school-lunches-programme |archive-date=16 April 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> 

Following the [[2023 New Zealand general election]], a right-wing [[Sixth National Government of New Zealand|National-led coalition government]] was formed.<ref>{{cite news |title=Watch: Christopher Luxon, new ministers sworn in at Government House |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/503352/watch-christopher-luxon-new-ministers-sworn-in-at-government-house |access-date=27 November 2023 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=27 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127054606/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/503352/watch-christopher-luxon-new-ministers-sworn-in-at-government-house |archive-date=27 November 2023}}</ref> In early March 2024, [[ACT New Zealand|ACT party]] leader [[David Seymour]] announced that the National-led government would review the "Ka Ora, Ka Ako" school lunch programme, citing food wastage and claiming that it did little to improve school attendance and academic achievement.<ref name="RNZ school lunches">{{cite news |title=Deputy principal fears increase in truancy if free lunches axed |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/510590/deputy-principal-fears-increase-in-truancy-if-free-lunches-axed |access-date=5 March 2024 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=1 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304080750/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/510590/deputy-principal-fears-increase-in-truancy-if-free-lunches-axed |archive-date=4 March 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 May 2024, Seymour confirmed the Government would continue to fund the "Ka Ora, Ka Ako" programme for a few years until the completion of the programme's review.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moir |first1=Jo |title=Free school lunches scheme to get temporary funding until review is complete |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/515699/free-school-lunches-scheme-to-get-temporary-funding-until-review-is-complete |access-date=3 May 2024 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501145016/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/515699/free-school-lunches-scheme-to-get-temporary-funding-until-review-is-complete |archive-date=1 May 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 22 October 2024, Seymour unveiled the Government's revised "Ka ora, Ka ako" free school lunch programme, which would be launched in Term 1 2024. Seymour said that the revamped programme would save NZ$130 million a year, with meals costing an average of NZ$3. Meals would consist of chicken katsu, butter chicken, lasagne, chicken pasta salad and wraps. Meals for students in Years 0 to 9 would be an average of 240 grams while meals for older students would be at least 300g with additional items including fruit, yoghurt or muesli bars. Schools would receive funding and resources to either prepare their meals internally, via [[iwi]]/[[hapu]] providers, or external suppliers including Gilmours, [[Foodstuffs (company)|Foodstuffs]], [[Watties]] and [[Hellers]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gabel |first1=Julia |title=David Seymour's new $3 school lunches revealed: Chicken katsu, butter chicken, lasagne on the menu |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/david-seymours-new-3-school-lunches-revealed-chicken-katsu-butter-chicken-lasagne-on-the-menu/52R54PFDOJEENM47JCQAOGBXYM/ |access-date=22 October 2024 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=22 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Anneke |title=Government unveils rebooted school lunch menu |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/531524/government-unveils-rebooted-school-lunch-menu |access-date=22 October 2024 |work=[[RNZ]] |date=22 October 2024}}</ref>

In late January 2025, the [[Ministry of Education (New Zealand)|New Zealand Ministry of Education]] confirmed that the "Ka Oa Ka Ako" programme served 244,144 students and 1,014 schools.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Eric |title=The numbers behind the revamped school lunch scheme |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360573724/numbers-behind-revamped-school-lunch-scheme |access-date=12 February 2025 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=10 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210015703/https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360573724/numbers-behind-revamped-school-lunch-scheme |archive-date=10 February 2025}}</ref> During the opening of the 2025 school year between late January and early February 2025, several schools including [[Auckland Girls' Grammar School]], [[McAuley High School, Auckland|McAuley High School]], Henderson Intermediate School, Kaitao Intermediate School and Massey Primary School reported problems with the revamped school lunch programme including late or missed deliveries, uncooked food, lack of nutrition, food wastage, ham in [[halal]] food and a shortage of vegetarian meals.<ref name="Stuff 31 Jan 2025">{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Erin |title=Famine to feast - teething issues continue with school lunch programme |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360565678/famine-feast-teething-issues-continue-school-lunch-programme |access-date=12 February 2025 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=31 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250201222610/https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360565678/famine-feast-teething-issues-continue-school-lunch-programme |archive-date=1 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Afemata |first1=Mary |title=No end in sight to Auckland’s school lunch crisis |url=https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/02/09/no-end-in-sight-to-aucklands-school-lunch-crisis/ |access-date=12 February 2025 |work=Te Ao Māori News |publisher=[[Whakaata Māori]] |date=9 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250209202105/https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2025/02/09/no-end-in-sight-to-aucklands-school-lunch-crisis/ |archive-date=9 February 2025}}</ref><ref name="1News 30 Jan 2025">{{cite news |title=Some schools fork out to feed students as new lunches arrive late |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/01/30/some-schools-fork-out-to-feed-students-as-new-lunches-arrive-late/ |access-date=12 February 2025 |work=[[1News]] |date=30 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210141543/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/01/30/some-schools-fork-out-to-feed-students-as-new-lunches-arrive-late/ |archive-date=10 February 2025}}</ref><ref name="RNZ 30 Jan 2025">{{cite news |title=David Seymour defends school lunch programme as criticism served up |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/540439/david-seymour-defends-school-lunch-programme-as-criticism-served-up |access-date=12 February 2025 |work=[[RNZ]] |date=30 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210032547/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/540439/david-seymour-defends-school-lunch-programme-as-criticism-served-up |archive-date=10 February 2025}}</ref> Due to quality issues, some schools were forced to use their own funds to buy replacement meals for pupils.<ref name="1News 30 Jan 2025" /><ref name="Stuff 31 Jan 2025" />

==See also==
{{Portal|Food|Schools}}
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Personal, social, health and economic education]]
* [[School breakfast club]]
* [[School feeding in low-income countries]]
* [[School Food Trust]]
* [[School Health Education Study]]
* [[School health services]]
* [[School Meals Initiative for Healthy Children]]
* [[Vegan school meal]]
{{div col end}}

'''General:'''
* [[Food choice]]
* [[Nutrition]]
* [[Childhood obesity]]
* [[Welfare spending|Welfare]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Australia
** {{Cite journal | author1=Innes-Hughes, Christine | author2=Hebden, Lana | author3=King, Lesley | author4=Grunseit, Anne | author5=Bolger, Grace | title='Green' and 'Amber' Foods: The Nutritional Content of Food and Beverages Registered for Sale in New South Wales School Canteens with Healthy Kids Association | journal=Nutrition & Dietetics: The Journal of the Dietitians Association of Australia | date=1 June 2012 | publisher=Dietitians Association of Australia | volume=69 | issue=2 | pages=111{{ndash}}118 | issn=1446-6368| doi=10.1111/j.1747-0080.2012.01580.x | doi-access=free }}
** {{Cite journal | author1=Innes-Hughes, Christine | author2=Hebden, Lana | title='Green' and 'Amber' Foods: Analysing the Nutritional Content of Food and Beverage Products Registered with Healthy Kids Association | date=13 May 2013 | url=http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/handle/2123/9075 | access-date=21 May 2016 }}
** {{cite web | title=Fresh Tastes @ School Newsletter: Archives | website=PANDORA: Australia's Web Archive | publisher=National Library of Australia and Partners | url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/tep/65027 | access-date=21 May 2016 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
* Japan
** Sanborn, Alexis Agliano (March 2013). [https://www.academia.edu/3129340/Flavoring_the_Nation_School_Lunch_in_Japan "Flavoring the Nation: School Lunch in Japan"] (Harvard University Master's thesis)
** [http://www.japaneseschoollunch.com JapaneseSchoolLunch.com]
* The United States
** Levine, Susan (2010). [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0691146195 ''School Lunch Politics: The Surprising History of America's Favorite Welfare Program.''] Princeton University Press. {{ISBN|978-0691146195}}.
* Ruis, A.R. ''Eating to Learn, Learning to Eat: The Origins of School Lunch in the United States'' (Rutgers UP, 2017), 201 pp.
** {{cite web |url=http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/NSLPFactSheet.pdf |title=National School Lunch Program |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=September 2013 |website=Food and Nutrition Service |publisher=United States Department of Agriculture |access-date=21 May 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519052317/http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/NSLPFactSheet.pdf |archive-date=19 May 2016 }}

==External links==
{{Commons category|School lunch}}
* Finland:
** {{Cite report |author=Finnish National Board of Education |date=2014 |title=School Meals in Finland |url=http://oph.fi/download/155535_School_meals_in_finland.pdf |publisher=Finnish National Board of Education |access-date=20 May 2016 }}
** {{Cite report |author=Finnish National Board of Education |date=2008 |title=School Meals in Finland: Investment in Learning |url=http://www.oph.fi/download/47657_school_meals_in_finland.pdf |publisher=Finnish National Board of Education |access-date=20 May 2016 }}
* Sweden: [https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skolmatsverige.se%2Fskolmaltidens-kvalitet-lasaret-201213&edit-text=&act=url School Meals Sweden] (translated from [http://www.skolmatsverige.se/skolmaltidens-kvalitet-lasaret-201213 the original] by Google Translate)
* United Kingdom:
** [https://web.archive.org/web/20050415233603/http://www.channel4.com/life/microsites/J/jamies_school_dinners/index.html Jamie's School Dinners] by [[Channel 4]]
** [https://web.archive.org/web/20050427161759/http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/food_matters/schoolmeals.shtml Food Matters: School Dinners] by the [[BBC]]
** [http://www.bl.uk/learning/histcitizen/foodstories/index.html The British Library: Learning Food Stories] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410231056/http://www.bl.uk/learning/histcitizen/foodstories/index.html |date=2021-04-10 }} {{ndash}} An interactive site for children about the history of food culture in the UK
* United States:
** {{Cite report|author=Gallagher, Michael |date=26 June 2006 |title=School Lunch |url=http://www.olemiss.edu/programs/mtc/Media/Writings/docs/Focus%2006%20PDF/Gallagher.pdf |publisher=University of Mississippi |pages=1{{ndash}}9 |access-date=21 May 2016 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060916171905/http://www.olemiss.edu/programs/mtc/Media/Writings/docs/Focus%2006%20PDF/Gallagher.pdf |archive-date=16 September 2006 }} ([[Mississippi Teacher Corps]] focus paper)
** {{cite news |author=Kinsman, Kat |title=The Kid with the Stinky Lunch |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514143919/http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/11/15/the-kid-with-the-stinky-lunch/?hpt=hp_bn8&replytocom=228811 |archive-date=14 May 2012 |url= http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/11/15/the-kid-with-the-stinky-lunch/?hpt=hp_bn8&replytocom=228811|newspaper=[[CNN]] Online |publisher=Turner Broadcasting System, Inc |date=15 November 2011 |access-date=21 May 2016 }}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:School meal}}
[[Category:Academic meals]]
[[Category:Free meals]]
[[Category:Social programs]]
[[Category:School terminology|Meal, school]]