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LA Mom Trades Nuggets for Nicer French School Lunches
27 Jul
Summary
- French school lunches include three courses: salad, main, and dessert.
- France mandates high nutritional standards for school meals.
- French schools offer longer lunch breaks for eating and socializing.
A Chinese-American mother, Marissa Fortson, has detailed the striking differences between school lunches in the United States and France after relocating her family from Los Angeles to Nice. Previously accustomed to meals like chicken nuggets and pizza, Fortson's daughter now experiences three-course lunches in France, typically including a salad, a main course, and a dessert. Dishes range from tabbouleh and spinach ravioli to salmon pasta and fruit, served with fresh bread.
French schools emphasize food education, encouraging children to try diverse flavors and eat with proper silverware. Nationally regulated nutritional standards ensure balanced menus rich in vegetables, fruits, and legumes. Since 2022, the EGAlim law requires cafeterias to source at least 50 percent sustainable or quality-certified food, with 20 percent being organic. Furthermore, French schools provide extended lunch breaks of 60 to 90 minutes, allowing ample time for students to eat and socialize.
