A school meal or school lunch (also known as a hot lunch, school dinner, or school breakfast) is food given to students at school, usually in the middle or early from school day. Countries around the world have a variety of school feeding programs. Millions of children of all standards and grades get their food in their respective schools every day. School food provides high-energy foods with high nutritional value, free, or at an economical price.
The benefits of school meals vary from country to country. While in developed countries, school food is a source of nutritious food, in developing countries is an incentive to send children to school and continue their education. In developing countries, school meals provide food security in times of crisis and help children become healthy and productive adults, thus breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger. In all cases, school meals allow children to focus on their studies, without hunger as a distraction.
Video School meal
Type
Free school meals
Sweden, Finland, Estonia and India are some countries that provide free school meals for all students in compulsory study, regardless of their ability to pay. Many countries undertake to increase attendance levels such as India, where all Government School students are given a free lunch (Midday Meal Scheme), where staple foods vary in different states and regions, provided along with free education.
In high-income countries, free school meals are usually available to children who meet income-earning criteria.
Reduce food prices
Discounted food is also available in some countries for those who need help with a fee. Low-cost food is available to students in countries such as France, Italy, Hong Kong, Japan, and the United States.
Stigma
When they are not given to all students, free school meals can stigmatize the children who receive them. Research has shown that many children who deserve a free meal do not take it, and those who do it may suffer negative consequences. In addition, not all children who can benefit from a free lunch or lunch at a low price qualify for it. Organizations such as Child Poverty Action Group have asked for free school meals for all students to address this issue. In the United States, Sharing of Strengths We have funded school-eating-for-all pilot programs in several school districts.
Maps School meal
History
The rising level of obesity in children has prompted the government to provide a healthier and more balanced school lunch.
For example, in the UK, significant changes have been made from the time school meals were introduced in the nineteenth century. The first National School Meals policy was published throughout Britain in 1941. The policy sets out the first nutrition guidelines for school lunches, which require balanced meals that include appropriate levels of protein, fat, and calories.
Europe
United Kingdom
History
The school meal program in England can be traced back to the Provision of Meals of 1906.
In 1944, the British Empire required local governments to provide a school dinner consistent with the legal nutritional requirements. The government paid for all school meals in 1947. Free school meals are available for children with very low-income families. As a result, from the 1950s onwards, traditional "school dinner" meals became a staple in the national psyche. The "school pudding" specifically refers to the desserts that were historically served with school dinners in public and private schools. Examples include tarts like gypsy tarts and Manchester tarts, and hot puddings like spotted dick and treacle sponge pudding.
In the 1980s, Conservative government Margaret Thatcher ended the right to free food for thousands of children, and required local governments to open the provision of school meals for competitive bidding. This is intended to reduce the cost of school meals provided by the local government. However, it causes a substantial decrease in school food standards. A 1999 survey by the Medical Research Council stated that although rationed, children in 1950 had a healthier diet than their counterparts in the 1990s, with more nutrients and less fat and sugar.
This became the main topic of debate in 2004, when chef Jamie Oliver pioneered a campaign to improve the quality of school meals. At this time, school dinners in public schools are usually made by outside catering. The schools sell a lot of fried fast food, such as chips, fried turkey nugget, pizza, and pies. After the "Jamie's School Dinners" program was featured on Channel 4, some parts of the public showed support for an increase in school funding, which led to the government creating School Food Trust. This topic is a factor in the 2005 UK general election.
Martha Payne NeverSeconds' blog, which discusses the quality of school meals at elementary school in Lochgilphead, made national headlines after receiving support from Jamie Oliver.
Current status
Since September 2014, all infant students in British schools are entitled to free hot meals at lunch every day. This is the initiative of Vice Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who launched the plan at the Liberal Democrats conference in 2013. At the start of the initiative, the government paid Ã, £ 2.30 for every meal taken by qualified students.
The British government used the right to free school meals as a measure of expropriation. For the financial year 2014-2015, the government pays the school a premium of £ 1,300 for elementary school age students, or Ã, £ 935 for middle school students, for each eligible child. 11% of eligible families did not claim them, which meant that their schools did not receive additional funds. It is unclear in 2014 how this will be influenced by the introduction of universal free food for the youngest British school children.
Since January 2015, the Scottish government has provided free school meals for all children in Primary One to Three.
Advocacy
The National Union of Teachers supports free school meals for all children. Fiona Twycross campaigned to persuade the Labor Party to commit to providing universal free school meals. He argues that according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies and the National Center for Social Research, free school meals for all students significantly increase school achievement.
Estonian
In Estonia, free school dinners are served in primary and secondary schools.
Nutritional guidelines
The nutrition guidelines for Estonian school meals are based on the Estonian food pyramid. At the base of the pyramid is water and sports. The next level includes starch, fruit, and vegetables. According to the Estonian Diet-Based Food Guidelines, these foods should consist of most of each meal. The center of the pyramid includes dairy and meat products. Guidelines recommend eating these foods in small portions daily. Just below the top levels are oil, butter, and peanuts. At the top of the pyramid are foods like ice cream, soft drinks, honey, and biscuits: high-sugar foods that should be eaten sparingly, as a special meal.
Finnish
History
Finland provides free summer meals for all students from pre-primary to senior high school education every day, as guaranteed by the Basic Education Act of 1948. Section 31 of the Basic Education Act states: "A student attending a primary education will given balanced and well-organized meals and supervised every school day. "
Several Finnish cities have offered free free school students since the beginning of the 20th century. For example, Kuopio did it starting in 1902, and extended school dinners to all students in 1945.
Current status
According to Finnish National Education Board statistics from 2014, the average school meal is priced at 2.80 euros per student school day, for a total of 532 euros per student for the school year. This amount includes materials, labor costs, kitchen equipment, and other fixed costs, but no property or tax charges.
Children participating in pre and post school activities are also served free healthy snacks.
Higher education
Lunches for higher education students (such as those attending universities and polytechnics) are also subsidized in Finland. Kela, the Finnish Social Insurance Institution, compensates students' food that meets the nutrition criteria and the price for government food subsidies. The aim of the program is to promote positive health and nutrition trends among students. This program accommodates special dietary needs - whether in relation to religion, ethical beliefs, or health issues - at no additional cost.
Goals and roles in learning
Free school food in Finland is seen as an investment for the future; the goal is to maintain and improve children's health, welfare, and learning. School food is used as a pedagogical tool to teach how to eat, food culture, nutrition, and healthy eating habits, and to increase consumption of vegetables, fruit and fruit, whole grain bread, and low-fat or skim milk. One of the basic lessons is cooperation between students, principals, teachers, parents, and catering staff. In many schools, students participate in school cafeteria work during their period of work practice. Most schools have school feeding committees where students, teachers, and catering staff develop shared school catering. Most schools also welcome parents to come and taste the school food. There are always adults in the school restaurant. The pedagogical role of the school catering staff is important, as is the teacher's knowledge of nutrition. In 2009, Finland began to develop school food and nutrition education for teachers, and pedagogical education for school catering employees.
National and local regulations form the basis for Finnish school eating practices. Local action and decision education and curriculum are central documents governing school meals. The local and school-level curriculum defines the main principles of managing school catering. The curriculum also explains the educational goals in the areas of health, nutrition, and manners. The role of school-related health and social food, the purpose of teaching nutrition and behavior, and the leisure aspects of lunch breaks are taken into account when organizing school meals and snacks. Students are allowed at least 30 minutes to eat, after which they have a short recess outside the room.
Lunch at school can also be a channel to empower local food producers. Introducing locally produced fish to institutional kitchen offerings, such as school canteens, is an ethical and ecological alternative to mass-produced meat or imported fish.
Nutritional content and guidelines
School food generally consists of Finnish specialties. Primary school meals consist of warm main dishes, vegetables, bread, leaflets and drinks. School lunches are calculated to equal one-third of children's daily nutritional needs. School catering is designed to follow the Nutrition Council's national dietary guidelines for schools. Recommendations for school meals are being updated during 2016.
Typically, Finnish schools provide lunch in the school cafeteria in the form of a buffet, where students serve themselves as much as they want. Schools often use model plates to guide eating habits to the following recommendations:
- Fresh and cooked vegetables cover half of the plate
- Potatoes, rice, or pasta cover a 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 that includes the remaining quarter of the plate
- Skim or semi-skimmed milk, or fermented milk products
- Water
- Bread with vegetable margarine or butter-margarine mixture
- Berries or fruit for dessert
Children with special dietary needs - whether in regard to religion, ethical beliefs or health issues - are entitled to a special diet at no cost. The school menu is designed to fit most students, with minimal adjustments if necessary. If a child has special dietary needs, their school needs specific information about these needs to ensure food safety and the elimination of possible cross-contamination. In the case of special health-related diets, schools require the assessment of physicians, nurses, or dietitians.
Like school lunches, pre-school and after-school snacks are used as a pedagogy tool in teaching children about proper nutrition, table manners, and food culture. Snacks are designed to offer variety and consider Finnish Nutrition Recommendations as well as the individual needs of children.
The School Lunch Diploma
Finland does not have a national accreditation system to evaluate the quality of school lunches. However, by the end of 2015, more than 200 schools have received the School Lunch Diploma. The diploma states the school's commitment to national standards and recommendations for school lunches that are nutritious, educational, and ecologically sustainable. This is also an indication of excellent collaboration among interest groups in schools. The School Lunch Diploma is coordinated by the Finnish Professional Kitchen Association.
Italy
School meals in Italy provide regular Italian cuisine, although they can vary between regions and cities. The Italian government is very "demeaning" and conducts large-scale research to measure and engage students in food, diet and food choices.
Swedish
School lunches have been free in Swedish elementary schools since 1973. The government or municipality covers all costs. Typically, a buffet-style school lunch. The buffet mainly includes potatoes, pasta or rice; meat or fish; and vegetables. Milk and water are usually offered as drinks. There are also vegetarian options, as well as foods that meet the religious requirements; the food is also free. High school does not have to provide food for their students, but many, both public schools and leased schools.
Typically, each municipality signs a private contract with a catering company that provides school meals. Many food products are imported, but still have a good standard. In many schools, teachers or principals eat with students, with the aim of creating a stronger relationship between students and school authorities. In Swedish schools there is also a week of international food, or vegetarian week.
Denmark
Lunch at school in Denmark usually includes items such as fruit, roasted duck, potatoes, and red or white cabbage.
Norwegian
Norwegian school lunches were supplied from Sweden during World War II, partly financed by private parties. Later, all public school lunches were stopped, so most Norwegian students brought lunch from home. In 2007, the school began providing one free fruit per day for all students in grades 8-10. Norwegian schools also sell subsidized milk.
French
History
In the 1970s, the French government began working to fix school lunches. In 1971, the government set nutritional guidelines for French school meals. The 1971 dietary recommendation guide states that every food should contain raw vegetables, such as salads and fruits; protein in the form of milk or other dairy products; vegetables cooked twice per week; and carbohydrates in the remaining days.
Current status
In France, lunch is considered the most important meal of the day. Students can have lunch at school or go home for it. Lunch break is one to two hours. French students are taught to take the time to enjoy and enjoy their food. Students must pay cafeteria lunch; the cost of eating varies by region. The student's family pays half of the meal, while the school pays the rest. For example, typical food might cost $ 6, with families paying $ 3 instead of full price.
Nutritional content and guidelines
The 2001 Food Recommendation Guidelines, signed by the Ministry of National Education, states that school lunches should be healthy and balanced. The menu varies daily, and is delivered to parents. In particular, the guidelines state that:
- There should be very little fat in school food
- School food should contain vitamins and minerals
- The main course of each school dish should contain meat, fish, or eggs
The school cafeteria serves five dishes, even for preschoolers. School children eat the same thing as adults. French school lunches include appetizers, salads, main dishes, cheese plates and desserts. Bread can accompany each meal. The menu may include potato leek soup, carrot and bean salad, lamb chops with saffron, assorted cheeses, and grapefruit. Each meal is accompanied by water.
French schools do not have vending machines.
Asia
China
School lunches in the People's Republic of China may include items such as white rice, fish, potatoes and onions, and green beans.
India
History
In 1925, the Indian government created the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program, one of the oldest free food programs for schoolchildren. Under the Lunch Scheme, a partially assisted state and partial school, along with Anganwadi, provides students with a mid-day meal. The food is free of charge and meets the guidelines set by the policy.
In 1998, India has implemented the National Program of Nutrition Support for Basic Education (NP-NSPE) scheme. During the 2013-2014 academic year, the scheme covers 104 million children in 1.16 million schools.
The Akshaya Patra Foundation, a public-private partnership in the Central Food Program, is a school food program run by non-governmental organizations. Akshaya Patra started serving 1,500 children in 2000. Today serves lunch for more than 1.4 million school children in 10 Indian states every day.
Contents
One lunchtime usually contains locally available cereals, made in a manner consistent with local customs. Each child receives milk, and soup or vegetables cooked as curry. The menu sometimes varies to attract students.
Children in private schools usually carry their own lunch boxes. Many schools also have canteens, and street food vendors can often be found in front of school campuses.
Iran
In the 1960s, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi had intended to undertake nonviolent regeneration of Iranian society through economic and social reforms called the White Revolution. The long-term goal of reform is to turn Iran into a global economic and industrial power. The White Revolution consists of 19 elements that were introduced for 15 years. In 1975, Shah started a program for 'Free and Compulsory Education and free daily food' for all children ranging from kindergarten to age 14. It provides a third of a pint of free milk for all children in Iran, as well as pistachio, fresh fruit, and biscuits.
Japanese
History
In Japan, the tradition of providing school lunches began in the early 20th century. After World War II, which brought near hunger conditions to the country, the Japanese government reintroduced school lunches in urban areas. School lunches were extended to all primary schools in Japan in 1952. With the enactment of the School Lunch Act in 1954, school meals were also extended to junior high school.
This early lunch initially included items such as bread, rolls, and skimmed milk powder (substituted in 1958 by milk bottles and cartons). Later, the lunch was expanded to include flour donated by American charities; desserts; and dishes (like daikon) that change daily. Other dishes include cheap proteins such as boiled peanuts, fried white fish, and, until the 1970s, whale meat. Rice provisions were introduced in 1976, following the surplus of Japanese rice distributed by the government, and became more frequent during the 1980s. Steak Hamburg, stew and Japanese curry become staple food too.
Current status
In 2004, 99% of elementary school students and 82% of junior high school students in Japan ate ky? Shoku (school lunch). These foods are grown locally, hardly ever frozen, and (diet restriction restriction) is the same for every student. Children in most districts can not bring their own food to school until they reach high school, nor do schools have vending machines; instead, children are taught to eat what is served.
Both in elementary and high school, students wear white coats and hats and serve their classmates, who then all eat together in their classroom rather than in the cafeteria.
To make lunch affordable for students, the city government pays for labor costs, while the parents, who are billed monthly, pay for the materials. This usually costs around 250 to 300 yen (about USD $ 3) per meal per student. There is a cheaper and free price option for the poorer families.
Nutritional content and guidelines
Daily bento boxes are designed by nutritionists to provide a balanced yet delicious meal for schoolchildren, working primarily to attract voters or unhealthy eaters. According to Chico Harlan:
Although the central government of Japan sets basic nutritional guidelines, the rules are minimal. Not every meal should meet the right calorie guidelines...... Central government officials say they have the highest authority to enter if the school serves unhealthy food, but they can not think of an example where it actually happened.... And since this is obsessed Japanese food, the standard food was worth it for the restaurant; In fact, Adachi Ward published a colorful cookbook based on his best school food. [However,] Japanese cuisine is not automatically healthy; it includes crispy chicken, rich bowl of salted ramen with pork belly and tempura fried and fried. But, like most dishes, it can be healthy.... you do not see desserts, other than fruit and yogurt. You sometimes see fried foods, but with cold moderation.
Public dishes range from myeon Asia, tom yam, and po tofu, to Western food such as spaghetti, stew, and clam chowder.
Malaysia
In most Malaysian schools, regardless of whether they are public or private schools, students eat at canteens where they buy food and drinks from vendors. School canteens usually offer Malay, Chinese, and Indian food, with various kinds of rice, noodles, and breads. Malaysian school cafeteria on average offers Nasi Lemak, Fried Rice, Chicken Rice, Popiah, and Laksa varieties.
The school cafeteria sells food and drinks at lower prices. Disadvantaged students can apply for a free food program - which, depending on the school, is sponsored by a teacher-parent association or by the Department of Education. Low-income students may also qualify for the School Milk Program, which is funded by dairies and non-governmental organizations.
The Philippines
School food in the Philippines seems relatively simple, mainly consisting of rice, meat, and sauce.
Singapore
School meals in most of Singapore's primary and secondary schools, as well as junior colleges, are provided in the cafeteria of each school (or grocery store). The canteen consists of kiosks that sell a variety of food as well as drinks. To serve many races, religions and cultures in Singapore, the canteen often offers a variety of cuisines, such as Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Western food.
To encourage healthy eating habits among children, the Singapore Health Promotion Board launched a Healthy Eating Program at School, which rewards schools that provide healthy food. To receive awards, schools should reduce the sugar content in drinks and desserts, serve less fried and fatty foods, and include two servings of vegetables in their diet.
South Korea
School lunches in South Korea include traditional food such as rice and kimchi (fermented cabbage). Other dishes may include sesame leaves stuffed with rice and covered with honey sauce; pumpkin potato soup; pancakes made from egg and leek dough, with a selection of peppers and octopus; and a salad of cucumber and carrots.
In most schools, students organize and distribute a variety of dishes, and then clean it up.
United Arab Emirates
Due to the economic boom, obesity has developed into a known health problem among teenagers in the United Arab Emirates. The past three decades have seen the greatest increase in childhood obesity. Studies have shown that obesity rates among UAE schoolchildren have surpassed child obesity rates in the United States and Europe. Traditional cuisine in the Persian Gulf region, after high fiber and low fat, has become westernized, and now consists of many high-fat, high-sodium, and high cholesterol foods. The level of exercise among children also declines rapidly, causing a surge of obesity in adolescents.
North America
Canada
Canada does not have a national school meal program, and primary schools are usually not equipped with kitchen facilities. Parents are generally expected to provide pack lunches for their children to take to school, or have their children go home to eat during lunch. However, some non-profit organizations dedicated to student nutrition programs do exist.
Most Canadian high schools (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12) have cafeterias serving hot food.
United States
History
School lunch at the national level started as a New Deal project while in 1933. In 1935 it was run by the WPA in 1935-42, as a way to employ unemployed, feed hungry children, and reduce harvest surplus. It ended in World War II when WPA closed. In 1937, WPA reported, "Last year and a half of the 80 million balanced hot meals were presented at a rate of 500,000 daily in 10,000 schools across the country."
The permanent National School Lunch Program was created in 1946, with the National School Lunch Act. This law won rural support for removing excess food from the market and thereby raising the price paid to farmers. Congress intended these foods to promote and protect child nutrition, while also supporting the consumption of American agricultural products.
Current status
Currently, the National School Lunch Program is a federal nutrition program operating in more than 101,000 public schools, nonprofit private schools, and residential care agencies. It is managed and managed at the federal level by the Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This program provides "balanced nutritious food" at a low cost or no more than 31 million children every school day.
From the beginning, the Program has grown substantially. It now includes School Breakfast Program, Light Food Program, Child and Adult Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program. At the State level, the National School Lunch Program is usually administered by a state education institution, which operates the program through an agreement with the school food authority.
The school feeding program in the United States provides free food, or at a reduced price (government subsidized), to children from low-income families. Those who are not eligible for free or reduced prices are charged a nominal fee.
Generally, private schools can not participate in school lunch programs. Private child care institutions or non-profit public houses may or may not participate. Independent school and school districts that choose to take part in the program receive minimal cash subsidies and commodities donated from the USDA for each food they serve. In return, they must present lunch that meets federal requirements, and they should offer a free lunch or a low price for qualified children. School food authorities can also be substituted for snacks served to children up to 18 years in educational or after-school enrichment programs.
Controversy
There is some controversy over the fact that the USDA is simultaneously responsible for promoting health through school nutritious food and dietary guidelines, and to promote consumption of key agricultural products such as milk and pork. Critics say this is a congenial conflicts of interest, which is evident in the degree to which the arrangements of the National School Lunch Standards remain a political process, influenced by titles by food industry lobbyists. These critics argue that dietary school nutritional standards do not include some of the basic needs for a healthy diet, as defined by nutrition science.
Other controversies stem from individual student needs and increased food allergies
Nutritional content and guidelines
School lunches must meet the prevailing recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for America. The guidelines state that no more than 30 percent of a person's calories should come from fat, and less than 10 percent of saturated fat. The rules also state that school lunches should provide one-third of the Recommended Dietary Benefits from protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, calcium, and calories. School lunches must meet federal nutritional requirements for one week of lunch. However, local school food authorities can make decisions about certain foods to serve and how they are prepared.
The vending machines at school are also a major food source for students. Under pressure from parents and anti-obesity advocates, many school districts moved to ban soda, junk food, and sweets from vending machines and cafeterias. Various laws have also been passed to restrict food sold in vending machines. With increasing concerns over traditional vending machines in schools, healthier sales choices have gained popularity and are continuously adopted by schools across the country. Marketing for a "healthy vending machine" states that they allow students to work better in school while getting better health.
Africa
Nigeria
In April 2012, the State of Osun in Nigeria spearheaded a statewide school feeding program for all public elementary school students. This is called the O'Meals program (an acronym for the Osun Primary School Food and Health Program). In July 2014, he provided lunch to more than 252,000 children in 100% of Osun primary school. In addition to staples such as rice, beans, and sweet potatoes served with stews, soups, and vegetables, the program provides fruits every day. Estimated cost is N50 (USD $ 0.31) per child per day.
According to a report on the benefits of O'Meals:
All groceries are locally sourced from farmers and others on the supply chain, increasing employment within the country. Overcoming child malnutrition has improved student academic achievement, and has increased school enrollment by 24% compared with figures from before April 2012.
By 2015, the manifesto of the All Progressives Congress (APC) recommends adopting a nationwide free meal plan. Since he became President, Muhammadu Buhari has made the implementation of this policy one of his top priorities. The National School Food Program is the subject of a budget proposal prior to the National Assembly. Also, the government of Kaduna State has implemented a school feeding program.
Australia
Healthy Child Association
The Healthy Kids Association (formerly The Healthy Kids School's Canteen Association) is a non-profit, non-governmental, health promotion organization based in Sydney, Australia. This is the top organization for school canteens in New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
In Australia, many school canteens have again offered junk food, or students start buying fast food outside of their schools. The Association has developed a policy intended to combat this trend; in some schools, they take over to provide school meals.
In response to the Children's Obesity Summit in 2002, former Prime Minister of New South Wales, Bob Carr, launched "The Strategy of Kantin Segar Tastes NSW Sehat." Healthy Children have become key partners of the Ministry of Health in developing this plan. The strategy is to develop healthy food taste among schoolchildren by promoting and displaying healthier menu choices, while limiting the availability of less nutritious foods. This program's menu guide is partly made by Rosemary Stanton.
See also
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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