10-07-202656
In recent years, malnutrition, overweight, and nutritional deficiencies among children have become a serious problem on a global scale. Organising healthy nutrition in preschool and school educational institutions is of not only social but also strategic importance, as dietary habits formed during childhood influence an individual's health indicators throughout their entire life.
In this regard, the system of healthy nutrition in Japan's educational institutions warrants particular attention. In this country, the school lunch programme — 'kyūshoku' — operates at the national level and is legally enshrined. The organisation of healthy nutrition in educational institutions is regulated by the School Lunch Program Act, and children's nutrition is regarded not as social assistance, but as an integral part of educational and public health policy.
In the Japanese model, school lunches are not confined to merely providing caloric intake. Menus are developed by specialist dieticians in accordance with the age-related and physiological needs of children. The balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals is subject to strict monitoring. According to official data, school lunches account for approximately one third of pupils' daily nutritional requirements, which serves to partially offset socio-economic disparities.
Another important feature of the system is the close integration of the nutrition process with education. In Japanese schools, lunches are organised collectively within classrooms, and pupils participate in distributing and clearing away utensils. This cultivates responsibility, discipline, and a culture of respect for food among children. At the same time, high standards of sanitary-hygienic control and food quality monitoring are maintained.
According to international analyses, Japan has one of the lowest rates of childhood overweight among developed countries. This demonstrates that the system of healthy nutrition in educational institutions has become a scientifically grounded and long-term state policy.
This model is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. First and foremost, it directly corresponds to the second SDG — 'Zero Hunger and Improved Nutrition' — as school lunches create an opportunity for all children to receive nourishing and standardised nutrition. At the same time, this system represents the practical embodiment of the third SDG — 'Good Health and Well-Being' — since proper nutrition during childhood directly influences health indicators in the future.
Recently, a delegation from our country — comprising representatives of the preschool and school education systems, the healthcare sector, and relevant agencies — visited Japan, where they studied this experience first-hand. During the visit, the practice of organising healthy nutrition in schools and kindergartens, mechanisms for ensuring food safety, and governance systems were comprehensively analysed. Meetings were also held with relevant organisations in the field of education and healthcare, during which legal frameworks, sanitary requirements, and product quality control were discussed.
This cooperation is of great importance for our country, as improving the system of healthy nutrition in preschool and school educational institutions represents a long-term investment in children's health.
In conclusion, Japan's experience clearly demonstrates that children's nutrition is not a social service but a practical mechanism for sustainable development. Every systematic step directed towards strengthening children's health defines the future potential of the country.