While American school lunches often consist of pizza, chicken nuggets, burgers, and tater tots, French schools serve vegetables, hot main dishes, bread, cheese, and dessert.

French school lunches include multiple courses and feature dishes like beet salad, duck confit, and grilled guinea fowl. In America, the food served varies significantly by region.

Louisiana’s school meals are reportedly among the least nutritious, with fried chicken being a favorite. Hawaii is considered among the most nutritious, with meals like stir-fries.

Conversely, French schools are bound by strict nutritional guidelines, including limits on fried foods and desserts. To drink, water is standard, rather than juice or milk.

Additionally, lunches in U.S. schools are affected by changing administrations. For example, nutritional standards were strict under Obama and relaxed under Trump.