School lunch ‒ The world is so diverse!

What's in snack boxes elsewhere?

Everyone has to eat, even at school! But what is eaten, when and how can vary greatly from country to country. Whether it’s in a box, in a lunch bag, or on a tray in the cafeteria, a wide variety of hot and cold dishes and drinks are consumed at school around the world. Find out how and what students around the world eat in this article, which is also available in German!

Scientists from the fields of nutrition and learning, teachers, students and a graphic designer have developed this article especially for you. All information comes from natives or people who have lived and gone to school in the selected countries for some time. We have selected the following countries for you: Austria, Sweden, China, Mexico, Malaysia, Syria, Italy, South Africa, South Korea, Brazil and USA. We wish you an exciting journey of discovery!


NOTE: This article is subject to the terms of the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA license.

7 +Dieser Beitrag ist gut für Kinder ab 7 Jahren geeignet.
  • Drei Lunchboxen mit verschiedenem Inhalt. Bei der Box im Vordergrund sieht man Cocktail-Tomaten und Wraps, bei der mittleren Box ein Baguette mit Salat und in der hinteren Box Maxi.

    School lunch around the world

    What is eaten where at school? – In this video, we take a closer look at snack boxes from different countries. It’s best to watch the video 2x to be able to solve the quiz that follows!

  • Verschiebestation: Illustration Wörterdieb

    Drag the words

    Move the words to the correct sentences!

  • Now it's your turn!

    Write a recipe for a school lunch of your choice!

  • Buchstabensalat: Illustration von Buchstaben in einer Salatschüssel

    Word scramble

    Find the hidden words in the word scramble!

  • Steckbrief: Wissenschafter*in

    Name:
    Julia Ertl
    Studies/Education:
    Teacher training Bachelor History, Home Economics and Nutrition, Ethics; Bachelor Educational Sciences
    Institute:
    University of Vienna | Faculty of Life Sciences | Department of Nutritional Sciences
    Field of Research:
    Teaching activity at school
    Hobbies & Interests:
    Cooking, baking, reading, Jungschar management, cycling
    About me:
    I discovered cooking for myself at the tender age of 8. At the age of 12, I already gained my first experience in education, where I served as a babysitter.
    I would also like to say:
    Stand up for your fellow human beings and the environment!
  • Steckbrief: Wissenschafter*in

    Name:
    Rebecca Wagner-Kerschbaumer
    Studium/Ausbildung:
    Teacher training in French & Home Economics and Nutrition
    Institution:
    University of Vienna | Faculty of Life Sciences | Department of Nutritional Sciences
    Forschungsgebiet:
    Didactics of nutrition and consumer education, teaching research in nutrition, consumption and health education
    Studies/Education:
    Teacher training in French & Home Economics and Nutrition
    Institute:
    University of Vienna | Faculty of Life Sciences | Department of Nutritional Sciences
    Field of Research:
    Didactics of nutrition and consumer education, teaching research in nutrition, consumption and health education
    Hobbies & Interests:
    Yoga, running, hiking, cooking
    About me:
    Practical cooking lessons have always been my favourite subject.
    I would also like to say:
    Eating and cooking together is good for us!
    Rebecca Wagner-Kerschbaumer
  • Steckbrief: Wissenschafter*in

    Name:
    Claudia M. Angele
    Studies/Education:
    Studies for the teaching profession at primary and lower secondary schools (Sek I) at the PH Weingarten, doctorate and habilitation
    Institute:
    University of Vienna | Department of Nutritional Sciences | Centre for Teacher Education
    Field of Research:
    Didactics of Nutrition, Classroom Research in Nutrition and Consumer Education
    Hobbies & Interests:
    Listening to music and singing, hiking, reading (preferably life stories and crime novels).
    About me:
    When I was a child, I wanted to be a teacher, which I did at first. Today, as a researcher, I am involved in teaching and learning about nutrition.
    I would also like to say:
    Always stay curious and inquisitive! This is how you can help shape the future of this earth.
  • Steckbrief: Wissenschafter*in

    Name:
    Lisa Koch
    Studies/Education:
    Teacher training in Home Economics, Nutrition and Biology
    Institute:
    University of Vienna | Department of Nutritional Sciences
    Field of Research:
    Didactics of Nutrition - How do we teach children about nutrition?
    Hobbies & Interests:
    Cooking, baking, reading, being outside in nature
    Favourite leftover food:
    Gratinated pasta bake
    I would also like to say:
    Seid neugierig und geht mit offenen Augen durch die Welt! Es gibt so viel Schönes zu entdecken :)
    © Lisa Koch
  • Steckbrief: Wissenschafter*in

    Name:
    Lena Jägermüller
    Studies/Education:
    Teacher training at the University of Vienna
    Institute:
    University of Vienna | Department of Nutritional Sciences
    Field of Research:
    Learning and teaching
    Hobbies & Interests:
    Hiking with friends and being in nature, reading, cooking
    I would also like to say:
    Always be curious and open your eyes, our world has so much to offer if you only look!
    Lena Jägermüller
  • Steckbrief: Wissenschafter*in

    Name:
    Alicia Link
    Studies/Education:
    Graphic designer
    Institute:
    Hochschule für Gestaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd
    Field of Research:
    Everything between circle, triangle and square
    Hobbies & Interests:
    Always be curious and open your eyes, our world has so much to offer if you only look!
    For my work I need:
    ...pen, paper, a good eye and a cup of coffee
    Contact:
    alicialink@gmx.de
    I would also like to say:
    Be curious and take a look, discover your day in detail and colour!
  • Steckbrief: Wissenschafter*in

    Name:
    Simone Hackl
    Studies/Education:
    Teacher training in Home Economics and Nutrition
    Institute:
    University of Vienna | Department of Nutritional Sciences
    Field of Research:
    Didactics of Nutrition - How do I explain nutrition to pupils in an understandable way?
    Hobbies & Interests:
    Playing volleyball, hiking, skiing and listening to music
    Favourite leftover food:
    Oven vegetables with potatoes
    My workplace:
    I sit with Claudia Angele in an office with a desk and a computer
    During my school years:
    ... I discovered that I get a lot of pleasure from speaking in front of people and explaining things. That's why I decided to study teaching and work towards becoming a good teacher.
    I would also like to say:
    Try different things in your life and find your passion where you can play to your strengths.
    Hackl Simone
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