Bag Lunch: What's to Eat in the Global School CafeteriaSchool meals from around the world.

United States:
Turkey dogs, Tater Tots, broccoli and cauliflower with dip, and milk.
Credit: CometPhoto.com
Photographer Renee Comet and stylist Lisa Cherkasky, working with a National Geographic photo editor, assembled typical school lunches from three countries -- the United States, Russia, and Japan -- to capture with a digital camera culinary differences across cultures. Dietary awareness, especially in American school districts fighting childhood obesity, has caused these archetypal menus to evolve somewhat; however, according to these researchers, the meals shown here represent the current iconic school-cafeteria fare. "For me, everything revolves around food," the photographer added. "I would be so unhappy with turkey dogs and Tater Tots!"

Japan:
Wonton miso soup, spinach and chinese cabbage in almond paste, natto (fermented soybeans), rice, and milk.
Credit: CometPhoto.com

Russia:
Borscht (beet soup), beef cutlet, buckwheat, rye bread, and apple kissel (a juice drink).
Comments (2)
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school food
I have for years tried to encourage schools here in Indiana to give our children better quality foods. I have been laughed at, cussed at and told that things will never change because there is no money for better foods. I think we all better wake up and see we are sending our children to an early grave by feeding them empty calorie meals. Schools that I have talked to do what is expected of them not whats best for the children. I understand that money in some systems are tight but take out the vending foods and drinks and invest it into fresh fruit and veggies.
I work in an elementary
I work in an elementary school in Hackensack, NJ. The turkey dog menu pictured in the article is leagues beyond what we feed our kids on a daily basis. Both the overall and nutritional quality of the meals I see in a public school everyday makes me wonder about the value we really place in American children.