Why Japan’s school nutrition program sets a global example

When it comes to school meal programs, Japan is in a league of its own. Often hailed as the “gold standard” for school lunches, Japan’s approach is globally recognized for its nutritious menus and deep commitment to nutrition education, leading to the healthy growth and lifelong well-being of its children.

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In Japan, it’s not just about feeding students—it’s about educating them and promoting a sustainable food culture that leads to longstanding benefits for the entire nation. Let’s take a closer look at why Japan’s school nutrition system is considered one of the best in the world.

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Positive impact of Japan’s school nutrition program

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Japan’s school lunch programs have a history dating back over a century, starting in 1889 in the Yamagata prefecture to support underprivileged students. Although temporarily suspended during World War II, the program was reinstated with international aid from UNICEF and the US. Today, Japan’s commitment to school nutrition is unparalleled, reaping benefits for its children:

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• Nationwide Availability: 99.7% of public elementary schools and 98.2% of public junior high schools offer school meals.
• Lower Obesity Rates: Japan’s school lunches have been credited with helping to maintain low childhood obesity rates. Studies show that children eating kyushoku (school lunch) regularly have better nutrient intake, including higher protein and fiber, than those who bring lunch from home.
• Bridging Income Gaps: A study by Nobuko Murayama found that school lunches help bridge dietary disparities between low- and high-income households. On school lunch days, children from low-income families consumed similar levels of essential nutrients as their peers from higher-income households.
• Local Food Sourcing: In 2021, 56% of the ingredients in school lunches were locally produced, supporting regional farmers and promoting sustainability.
• Universal Participation: About 99% of students eat school-provided meals, unlike in many countries where packed lunches are more common.

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What makes Japan’s school nutrition program great

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National commitment

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Japan’s success is rooted in government policy and the collaborative efforts of the entire nation—stakeholders, schools, local communities, and families. The School Lunch Program Act of 1954 mandates all public schools to provide safe and nutritious lunches. This law ensures equal access to healthy meals and positions school lunches as a cornerstone of education.

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Besides this law, here are some other key initiatives that showcase Japan’s national commitment to child nutrition:

• Shokuiku (food and nutrition education) month: A nationwide celebration to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition education, school lunches in promoting healthy eating habits, and the value of locally sourced food across Japan.
• Basic Act on Shokuiku: Enacted in 2005, this Act established Shokuiko (food and nutrition education) as the basis of human life. It also defines the respective roles of national and local governments in promoting Shokuiku as a national campaign.

Source: MAFF

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A balanced approach to nutrition

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Japan’s school nutrition system promotes a holistic understanding of nutrition, food origins, and healthy eating habits. Here’s how school meals are thoughtfully designed:

• Nutritionally Balanced: Each meal includes rice, fish or meat, seasonal and locally sourced vegetables, fruits, soup, and milk to support bone health—ensuring a well-rounded nutrient profile.
• Fixed Menu: All students are served the same balanced meal, with a “you get what you’re given” approach that leaves no option to choose unhealthy foods.
• Portioned Appropriately: The focus is on moderation, with servings based on the student’s age and activity levels.
• Fresh and Seasonal: Ingredients are locally sourced and menus are guided by the flavors of the season to develop respect for the environment and care for local agriculture.

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Additionally, Japan’s school meals occasionally feature special dishes, like international cuisines or festive treats, to introduce cultural diversity and expand students’ palates.

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Strict nutritional standards

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The Japanese government sets clear and stringent guidelines for school meals, which are overseen by nutritionists and dietitians. These experts ensure:

• Caloric and nutrient requirements are met for different age groups.
• Meals consist of a balanced mix of staple foods like rice or bread for energy, protein-rich main dishes such as meat, fish, or soybeans, and side dishes that supply essential vitamins and minerals.
• Minimally processed foods: Meals are freshly prepared, avoiding excess sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
• Allergy considerations: Students with dietary restrictions or allergies are considered.

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Japanese law mandates that the number of school lunch nutritionists per school is based on student enrollment. The standard ratio is one nutritionist for every 550 students or one for every 1,500 students in schools with centralized kitchens.

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Food literacy and nutrition education

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In Japanese schools, lunchtime is more than just eating—it’s an extension of the classroom. The concept of “shokuiko” is deeply embedded in the school curriculum.

• Food and Nutrition Teachers: Each school often has a dedicated nutritionist or dietitian who oversees meal planning and educates students and their families on nutrition.
• Hands-on Learning: Some schools have school farms where students can engage in activities like rice harvesting, letting them experience the food cycle from seed to plate. This helps them know where their food originates and how it is produced.
• Seasonal Menus: As mentioned, school meals are designed based on seasons to emphasize the cultural and environmental importance of local ingredients and where they come from. This helps children gain a deeper understanding of their heritage and also value sustainable practices.
• Mindful Eating: Students are encouraged to eat at a measured pace and appreciate their food, reducing waste.

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Cultural significance in every bite

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One of the most distinct features of Japan’s school meals is the communal aspect. School lunches are also designed to be cultural experiences that teach them life skills.

Students and teachers sit and eat together in their classrooms during lunchtime, promoting a sense of family and community.

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In the classroom, Japan’s shokuiko practices encourage:

• Appreciation and gratitude: Before meals, children express gratitude for the food and those who prepared it. This instills a respect for food and a deeper appreciation for what they eat.
• Community contribution: During lunchtime, students turn their classrooms into makeshift dining areas by organizing their desks into tables. Many students also take turns serving meals to their classmates, often wearing chef hats and aprons to add a fun element to the task. Additionally, students help clean and tidy up afterward to promote teamwork and shared responsibility.

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Affordable and accessible

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Japan’s school lunch program operates on a cost-sharing model, which makes it affordable and inclusive. Parents contribute a subsidized fee—around 4,000 yen per month (approximately $40)—towards school meals. For low-income families unable to afford this cost, free or reduced-price lunch programs are available, ensuring no child is left hungry.

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Meanwhile, local governments and school management cover operational costs like staff salaries, making the system sustainable and accessible. Additionally, companies and local producers contribute by supplying fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients to schools, supporting a farm-to-school approach.

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What other countries can learn from Japan

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Japan’s successful school nutrition system offers valuable lessons for school meal programs in the United States and worldwide. It teaches other nations the positive effects of prioritizing children’s nutrition, showing how to achieve them:

• Pass laws and legal frameworks that ensure meal programs remain stable and continuous, even under the pressure of political shifts.
• Community involvement and shared responsibility among governments, schools, and families create a sustainable and longstanding school meal program.
• Adopt strict and specific standards for meal quality and program execution.
• Focus on balanced, nutrient-dense meals with appropriate portions to lower obesity rates and lifestyle-related diseases.
• Emphasize the role of nutritionists in the classroom, giving them the responsibility of creating and monitoring school lunch menus to ensure nutritional standards and dietary needs are consistently met.
• Prioritize food literacy and cultural integration alongside nutrition. Teach students the origins and processes of what they eat to foster a deeper appreciation and respect for food and instill lifelong healthy eating habits.
• Invest in fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients to connect children with their food sources while making school meal programs more self-sufficient, independent, and sustainable.

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Serve high-standard meals in schools through Ordo

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Japan’s school lunch program demonstrates the transformative impact of prioritizing child nutrition. Quality and balanced meals, alongside nutrition education, support academic success, build lifelong healthy habits, and promote cultural appreciation.

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Countries seeking to improve their own school nutrition programs can look to Japan as a beacon of excellence. With Ordo, schools in the U.S. can take steps toward a similar commitment—providing students with nutritious, fresh meals that meet food safety standards and promote lifelong wellness.

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Ordo has become the fastest-growing school food program in America, providing fresh meals made from scratch every day in our kitchens. Our chefs focus on cooking homestyle food that’s both nutritious and what students love. Healthy meals result in better student outcomes, and administrators who invest in their nutrition programs invest in their schools.

Students and parents can place their orders through their ordering app and choose from seasonal menus with 4 to 6 different options daily like Tex Mex Crunch Salad with Creamy Lime Dressing or Chicken Bacon Wrap with Pretzels, Carrots & Ranch. Our online platform automates compliance paperwork for reimbursable meals, tracks important metrics like daily participation rate, and handles all payment and order processing.

Ordo offers both vended meal service where we deliver the food every day and onsite food service management with our chefs preparing food on campus. We have served all types of schools, from preschools and daycare centers to private and public schools.

‍If you’re interested in providing fresh, healthy food for your school, you can reach out to the school partnerships team here.