In this study, we aimed to elucidate the impact that the number of hours of dietary education by nutrition teachers － namely subjects teaching and guidance during lunchtime － has on the dietary habits of children and parents. We analyzed findings from the Hiroshima Prefectural Board of Education’s“ Dietary Education Implementation Survey” targeting nutrition teachers and school nutrition staffs, as well as the“ Dietary Habit Survey” targeting children and parents.

Results showed that the number of hours of guidance during lunchtime by nutrition teachers in primary schools was not significantly different from that of school nutrition staffs; however, the number of hours of subjects teaching was significantly greater.

In children attending primary schools that spend extensive time on subjects teaching by nutrition teachers, the percentage of affirmative answers was significantly higher with regard to questions such as“ Do you have a balanced breakfast that has grains, a main dish, and vegetables?”,“ Do you help prepare and clean up after meals?” and“ Do you cook with your family or on your own at home?”. In parents of children attending such schools, the percentage of affirmative answers was significantly higher with regard to questions such as“ Do you prepare breakfasts balanced in grains, a main dish, and vegetables?”,“ Do you and your children talk about things they learned in school regarding healthy diets, such as consuming vegetables?” and“ Do your children sometimes cook on their own or with family members at home?”.

　In addition, in children attending schools that spend extensive time on guidance during lunchtime,the percentage of affirmative answers was significantly higher with regard to questions such as“ Do you eat everything when vegetables are in your meals?” and“ Do you finish your entire meal?”. In parents of children attending such schools, the percentage of affirmative answers was significantly higher with regard to questions such as“ Do you and your children talk about school lunch menus at home?”

　These results suggest that subjects teaching and guidance during lunchtime influence different dietary behaviors of children and parents. This highlights that ensuring the provision of both subjects teaching and guidance during lunchtime by nutrition teachers are of crucial importance.