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Kids can form better eating habits when schools provide them with healthy food, but unfortunately, not all of these establishments are capable of doing so.

There's a notion that students from the US or the UK usually walk to their cafeteria in disdain while their Asian peers are getting served mouth-wateringly fresh meals.

But is this always the case?

To show you that not everything is black and white, we at Bored Panda put together a list of photos that reveal what schools from all over the world put on their plates. Bon appetit! (Or not.)

#1

My Korean School Lunch Of Udon, Egg And Pork Cutlet Deopbap, And Various Banchan

My Korean School Lunch Of Udon, Egg And Pork Cutlet Deopbap, And Various Banchan

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#2

Here's My Awesome Korean School Lunch! Schools Have A Qualified Nutritionist To Plan The Lunch Menu

Here's My Awesome Korean School Lunch! Schools Have A Qualified Nutritionist To Plan The Lunch Menu

StiffCrustySock Report

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TheLilacButterfly
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wow, something that could actually provide me with nutrition and not leave me starving the whole day

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BasedWang
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

again... would love... I feel like im gonna be saying that alot so im just gonna try not to comment on every single thing

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Rissie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, do teachers get the same meal and do you think you need more international teachers on various subjects and if so, can I please come over? Asking for myself.

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Kathleen Richwell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depends on the size of the kid. 16 year old boys go to school to you know. Does that look like a lot of food for a 16 year old boy.

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Brittany L
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now that's a lunch! Better than the Lunch I had when I was a kid. Foil containers with a paper lid and meat that smelled like chemical death.

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Claire Storace
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry, but your comment made me laugh out loud, so funny!! However, I'm sorry you had such nasty school lunches. I come from Malta and my mum used to make my lunch, usually consisted of sandwiches with ham and cheese, tuna, or jam and maybe a packet of crackers and an apple.We'd each get a free cup of milk from school but no meals.

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M O'Connell
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only real source of scale we have in the photo is the '0' key in the upper left corner, and if that's a standard numpad '0' key, this tray is deceptively small.

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Beachdusky Nhepsk
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks okay I dunno about the big bowl of whatever that is its kinda sus

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Cindy Temps
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would love to eat both the Korean lunches. They look so delicious and well balanced and wonderful. And kimchi on both plates. Kimchi is an acquired taste but so good for you.

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Cindy Temps
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like also that they eat green salad and veggies, something American kids need more of.

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Ali Hard
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And in the United States we get soft pretzels with nacho cheese, nachos, a slice of pizza and chocolate milk... Why is America fat??? Hmmmm

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Kathleen Richwell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Americans ALSO have a certified nutritionist who creates the lunch menus. Then someone who is aware of the budget goes back over it. And we get crap empty calories because that's all the money that's allocated for lunch will allow. Fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean meats and fish are expensive. Mystery meat and white starchy carbs are cheap.

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Lisa Laude
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do they have an hour to eat it?! Looks awesome, but a ton of food

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Mystery Egg
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't buy it. That is far too much food for a child. I could barely finish that and I'm in my 40's

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Oogiebogieaugiedaddy
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2 years ago

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Good grief. If you eat all of that at school, you will have to spend 30 minutes in the bathroom to takes an enormous dump.

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We managed to get in touch with a few folks from South Korea, a country that dominates the top of this list, to learn more about their menus.

One of them is Reddit user u/darkrealm190. "My school doesn't really serve one thing the most because they do a super big variety!" they told Bored Panda. "It takes about 2 weeks before something repeats. However, there are some constants, like they always have rice, some soup or stew, and banchan (side dishes in Korean) and [some] protein!"

u/darkrealm190 said the overall quality of the food was good. "It's definitely not bland, extremely healthy, and widely varied."

In fact, they couldn't even think of how the catering could be improved. "It's as good of a school lunch as anyone could need or want," u/darkrealm190 said. "I would also like to add that the lunch is free to all the students!"

#3

My Korean School Lunch Of Crab Soup, Braised Chicken And Potatoes, And Various Banchan

My Korean School Lunch Of Crab Soup, Braised Chicken And Potatoes, And Various Banchan

darkrealm190 Report

#4

This Is What Swedish School Lunch Looks Like

This Is What Swedish School Lunch Looks Like

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The other Redditor we talked to was u/StiffCrustySock and they gave us a similar description. "There is (almost) always rice, kimchi, and some kind of soup. Then, a Korean-style protein of some kind, most often pork-based ... [but we also sometimes have] 'Western-style' foods like burritos, a slice of pizza, spaghetti and sauce, etc," they told Bored Panda. "There will usually be a fruit of some kind as well."

"Overall, the school's food is excellent, I enjoy about 95% of it. And compared to other schools around the world I've seen, I'm glad to have this quality lunch."

However, u/StiffCrustySock would like a small change. "[They could] probably reduce the salt content and aim for less carbohydrates in each meal. Otherwise [everything's] pretty healthy."

The Redditor also suggested giving Korea's kitchen a go if you find yourself drooling over their pictures. "Everyone should try Korean food if they get the chance. The flavors are excellent."

#6

Today Was Veggie Burger And Sweet Potato Fries For Lunch In The School's Cafeteria In Germany

Today Was Veggie Burger And Sweet Potato Fries For Lunch In The School's Cafeteria In Germany

caseyy89 Report

#7

Typical School Lunch In South Korea

Typical School Lunch In South Korea

seacobs Report

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You could make a case that the quality of school food somewhat correlates with kids' health. In the United States, for example, the percentage of children and adolescents affected by obesity has more than tripled since the 1970s and in 2017–2018, an estimated 19.3% of those aged 2 to 19 years were obese.

The CDC said that a comprehensive approach is needed to address this issue in schools, especially for elementary and middle school students. Scientists know less about what school-based obesity prevention approaches are effective for teens.

The term 'comprehensive approach' means directing attention to nutrition and physical activity in schools and involving school nurses, parents, caregivers, and other community members (like pediatricians and after-school program providers) in the process. But we are yet to see any meaningful results.

#10

School Christmas Lunch In Finland (Free)

School Christmas Lunch In Finland (Free)

Meatballerina Report

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TmKhr
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Specifically this is school lunch around Christmas, there's ham, salmon and rutabaga casserole.

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#13

School Cafeteria Lunches In Finland

School Cafeteria Lunches In Finland

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#16

My School Lunch. It Was Very Nice. UK

My School Lunch. It Was Very Nice. UK

Interesting-Sock-223 Report

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I-Hate-Everyone
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Must be a private school because public school dinners in UK don't look like that. I went to public school and we were never served anything like that ever

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#17

Breakfast At A Public Charter School, Austin, Texas

Breakfast At A Public Charter School, Austin, Texas

Mr401blunts Report

#18

Some Pictures Of My School Lunch In Japan. Nutritious And Delicious, Japan Knows How To Feed Their Kids

Some Pictures Of My School Lunch In Japan. Nutritious And Delicious, Japan Knows How To Feed Their Kids

corner Report

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ForgotMyPWSendHelp
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sure it's good if the person says so, but the photo doesn't make it look like it.

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#19

The School Lunch From A Elementary School In Colombia

The School Lunch From A Elementary School In Colombia

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#20

Food In One Of The Moscow Schools. It's Macaroni And Cement I Guess

Food In One Of The Moscow Schools. It's Macaroni And Cement I Guess

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#21

My Swedish School Lunch (100% Free)

My Swedish School Lunch (100% Free)

Sir-Alfonso Report

#22

My School Likes To Do Fruit Water In Our Dining Hall. So Today We Got Jalapeño And Pineapple Water

My School Likes To Do Fruit Water In Our Dining Hall. So Today We Got Jalapeño And Pineapple Water

BringerOfLemonade Report

#23

Lunch At A Korean Elementary School

Lunch At A Korean Elementary School

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#24

School Lunch In America Since We’re Posting School Lunches

School Lunch In America Since We’re Posting School Lunches

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#25

The Vegetarian Option For Bolognese At My School Is Literally Just A Bag Of Ketchup

The Vegetarian Option For Bolognese At My School Is Literally Just A Bag Of Ketchup

tovarischlastname Report

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Earl Grey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t understand the concept of a vegetarian Bolognese, since Bolognese is a complex ragù that is centered around ground beef, pork or veal.

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#26

Are We Still Doing Lunch? This Is The Teacher Lunch At My School. All This Was For $4.50

Are We Still Doing Lunch? This Is The Teacher Lunch At My School. All This Was For $4.50

stefaniemarie21 Report

#27

What A School In UK Calls A Hotdog

What A School In UK Calls A Hotdog

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#29

The Cheese They Put On Our School's Hamburgers

The Cheese They Put On Our School's Hamburgers

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#30

Complaining About School Lunches? Here's My School's "Philly Cheese Steak"

Complaining About School Lunches? Here's My School's "Philly Cheese Steak"

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Felix Feline
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why I would sometimes blackout in elementary school. I refused to eat that kind of thing, and in the afternoon I would faint from hunger.

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Note: this post originally had 190 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.