By Makiko Kamoto
Japanese public elementary schools provide lunch for school children. It isn’t free, but cheap. Each school sets up its own unique menu. Typically, lunchtime is followed by recess and the students help serve the dishes themselves. The school always provides well-balanced meals. Here is a sample menu at one Japanese school:
Monday:
•   Fried noodles with vegetables, pork & tofu
•   Vegetable soup
•   Steamed chocolate cake
•   One orange and milk
Tuesday:
•   Ketchup-flavored rice
•   Vegetable soup
•   Cooked pumpkin salad
•   Milk