School lunch attendance

More than 6 million French school children take their lunch at school. Food availability is often in accordance with regulatory food frequency thresholds. The lunch meal eaten at the school cafeteria is often more balanced than the outside lunch meal. The nutritional situation is often best for younger children. Children and adolescents who take their lunch meal at school have a sociodemographic status different from others. Food availability is not necessarily a good determinant of the real consumption. In order to improve it, dietary school teaching is not efficient but the role of the parents is essential. Modifying the size of dishwares and portions as well as the presentation and food availability seems a priority