School Cafeteria Food

The wife came across this on 'Mind Body Green.com "What French Kids Eat For School Lunch" . "There are many theories as to why the French, and French children in particular, do not suffer from weight problems, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension like their American counterparts. Eating moderate quantities of fresh and freshly prepared food at set times of the day is definitely one of the most convincing reasons why they stay lean. Daily exercise, in the form of three recess periods (two 15-minute and one 60-minute recess every day) and walking or biking to and from school, is another...

... As the children come streaming into the cantine, they sit down at tables of four that are already set [with silverware, silver bread basket, off-white ceramic plates, cloth napkins, clear glasses, water pitchers] and wait for older student volunteers to bring the first course to their table"
The writer, Rebeca Plantier, featured a typical week's menu while she was researching why French kids aren't fat..

MONDAY

Photo Source: 'Mind Body Green.com'

"First course: Cucumber and tomato salad
Main course: Veal marinated with mushrooms, broccoli\Cheese
Dessert: Apple tart"

She spoke further on their exercise programs in school. Check out the article. I think you'll find it interesting.

Other quick facts from 'Info Please.com'* The school day in France is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a half day on Saturday
* Lunch last two hours
* Average class size is 23
* Religious dress of any kind is banned.
* School year is August-June (4-7 week terms) with one to two weeks of vacation.

* From Wikipedia- "The price of a meal is based on family income; students pay for half of the meal, while the school pays for the rest of it. For example, a typical meal may cost $6, with the family paying $3 instead of the full price."