To determine the teaching content delivered by nutrition teachers during school lunch time, the present study analyzed the“ Dietary Education Implementation Survey”, which targeted nutrition teachers.

　The results revealed that the number of times of dietary education during school lunch time was higher in the Grade 1 students and less in the Grade 7 students. Regarding the status of implementing the teaching contents described in the“ Dietary Education Guidelines”, the content focused primarily on“ ways to eat a healthy diet”, and this teaching content was more prevalent than“ enjoying meals” or“ diet and culture”. As part of learning the“ ways to eat a healthy diet”, students received explanations of the ingredients in their school lunches, and were taught the importance of not being picky eaters and to finish meals without leaving any leftovers on their plate. For“ enjoy meals,” students were instructed on table manners, and for“ diet and
culture”, students were given an explanation of local produce. In addition, elementary schools that frequently taught dietary education provided instructions on adequate intake of grain dishes, fish and meat dishes, and vegetable dishes. School lunches were also used to review material learned in different subjects.

　School lunch is an important teaching opportunity for cultivating ideal dietary habits and practical skills
in students. Therefore, in the future, to achieve higher educational effectiveness, ways to utilize school lunch menus as teaching material should be considered.