What's for lunch? Comparing school lunches from USA and South Korea

My sister, Kate- a public school kindergarten teacher in Sparta, Michigan, USA- took six pictures of her school lunches.
I- a public school elementary teacher in Uijeongbu, South Korea- took six pictures of my school lunches.

Let's compare.

Lunch #1

USA: Rib sandwhich, tater tots, cauliflower salad, apple, peach slices













South Korea: meatballs, rolled egg omelet, radish kimchi, ox brisket soup with noodles, mandarin oranges

Lunch #2

USA: tacos, banana, salad, apple juice, fruit cup













South Korea: rice cakes with fish meat, spinach, cabbage kimchi, brisket soup with potoatoes, rice, gold kiwis

Lunch #3

USA: pancakes with syrup, banana, hash brown, ketchup, apple sauce

South Korea: acorn jelly sald, chicken with rice cakes, radish kimchi with greens, seaweed soup, sweet potato pastry, rice

Lunch #4

USA: ham and cheese sandwhich, fruit cup, celery, cucumber salad, tater tots













South Korea: gold kiwis, chicken wings, cabbage kimchi, beef noodle soup with vegetables, rice

















Lunch #5


USA: fruit cup, banana, apple juice, mashed potatoes with gravy, turkey, cranberry sauce, cauliflower salad














South Korea: stir fry noodles with vegetables, smoked duck salad, white cabbage kimchi, crab soup, persimmons

Lunch #6

USA: milk, cucumber salad, bread with butter, apple juice, chicken nuggets, sweet 'n sour sauce, green beans

South Korea: radish kimchi, vegetable dumplings, melon, egg soup, stir fried rice

When Kate first sent me a picture of her lunch, I was surprised to see vegetables and fruit on the tray. Maybe it's just me, but I was under the impression that American students were still eating pizza everyday. It looks like Michelle Obama's new school lunch initiative is working.

Good work, 'Merica.

But what's up with the consumable serve ware?  There's a lot of money that's being wasted by not having reusable trays and cutlery. Not to mention the destruction of that thing called the environment.

Overall, I'm impressed with America's school lunches. They look healthier than I imagined. However, I think Korea wins this comparison contest. I've written a post on Korea's school lunches in the past and expressed how healthy and impressive the meals are at public schools. The variety and balanced lunches make South Korea a winner in my book.

What do you think? Whose lunch is the best?