Achievement of School Lunch System for the Promotion of Health of Children in Japan

Abstract

In Japan, the modern school lunch system was improved after the establishment of the school lunch law in 1954, and now over 98% of boys and girls in primary schools and over 85% of junior high school pupils have lunch at their schools. In this report, the beneficial effect of this system is pointed out. This system contributes to an improvement of the physical condition of these children and it is very effective for improving the relationship between teachers and children. Knowledge concerning food, nutrition and food hygiene has also improved.