A Personal Account: Relocating to France with My Child Brings Unexpected Cultural Surprises
In France, school lunches are not just about filling up hungry stomachs; they are an integral part of a child's education, teaching them about nutrition, balanced eating, and trying new things. This comprehensive approach to school meals is internationally recognized for its focus on health, sustainability, and cultural food heritage.
Both public and private schools in France serve multi-course meals using high-quality ingredients. The meals, often reflecting traditional French meal structures, consist of a starter, a main course, a dairy course (such as yogurt or cheese), and dessert. These meals are prepared by catering companies off-site in the morning and transported to the schools daily.
The ingredients used in these meals are locally sourced and seasonal, prioritizing sustainable seafood and organic produce. The French government has established strict nutritional standards for school meals, ensuring they are safe, healthy, and nutrient-balanced. Since 2022, legislation requires school canteens to source at least 50% of their food from sustainable, environmentally or socially positive agriculture.
School meals in France are more than just a meal; they are integrated with food education to encourage healthy eating habits. Lunchtime is viewed as a sacred time for decompression and nourishment, often spent with friends and family. It is rare to see someone eating lunch on the go or at their office desk.
In many French schools, including the private école élémentaire in the city center under discussion, the lunch break lasts an hour and a half. This time allows for a leisurely meal, with people gathering on cafe terraces and at restaurants to enjoy their food. It is common to see groups of friends, families, and co-workers sharing meals and conversations over a glass of wine during lunch and a coffee at the end.
The cost of school lunches varies depending on the region and sometimes based on family income, but it's typically similar to school lunch prices in the U.S. In some regions, stores close midday so shopkeepers can go home for a break, further emphasizing the importance of lunchtime.
When returning to the U.S., the author plans to take some of the new habits learned during their time in France, such as slowing down and savoring meals together. They also plan to continue challenging themselves and their son to push beyond their comfort zones, even without the 1 ½-hour lunch break or four-course meal at school. The author might even include stinky cheese in their son's lunchbox as a reminder of their time in France.
On sunny days, parks in France are filled with families, groups of friends, and co-workers sharing picnics. Food in France is considered a crucial element of the French way of life, and this is evident in the school lunch experience.
References: [1] French Ministry of National Education, Youth and Sports (2021). The school canteen, a place of education and nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.education.gouv.fr/cid21643/la-cantine-une-place-d-education-et-de-nutrition.html [3] French Ministry of Agriculture and Food (2022). School canteen: towards a sustainable and balanced diet. Retrieved from https://www.agriculture.gouv.fr/actualites/school-canteen-towards-a-sustainable-and-balanced-diet
- The French school lunch system, rooted in education, promotes global cuisines and personal growth by introducing children to new foods and cooking techniques.
- In France, food education goes beyond the classroom, with priority given to home-and-garden activities like growing organic produce and understanding their role in a sustainable lifestyle.
- Drawing inspiration from France, education-and-self-development programs in global communities could implement similar practices, encouraging healthy eating habits and fostering cultural respect through diverse food-and-drink options.
- As shows of friendship and camaraderie, hosting communal meals and sharing food are integral components of the French culture, transcending boundaries and bringing people together for a unique bonding experience.
