Clara Hogan, an American mom who relocated from San Francisco to Bologna, Italy, with her husband and two young children in the fall of 2024, recently shared her astonishment at the school lunch system in her new home. She posted a viral TikTok video showcasing the weekly menu her kids receive at public school, highlighting how it contrasts sharply with her own childhood memories from the United States. Her family originally planned a one-year stay to enjoy a slower pace of life and cultural immersion, but they have since decided to extend it because everything has worked out so well. The difference in meals quickly became one of the most noticeable changes for her.
In Italy, school lunches follow high standards with fresh ingredients and balanced variety. For example, one Thursday menu featured gramigna pasta in traditional ragu sauce as the first course, followed by cauliflower meatballs paired with peas and onions, and fresh oranges and apples for dessert. Children get a full hour to eat, which allows them to sit down, enjoy the food, and build a positive relationship with meals. Hogan expressed how grateful she feels that her four-year-old and six-year-old do not need packed lunches and instead receive warm, nutritious options daily.
By comparison, Hogan recalls American school lunches from her millennial childhood as functional and rushed experiences. Kids would stand in line, grab a tray, eat quickly in about 20 minutes, and head out. She vividly remembers things like square pizza topped with waxy cheese that barely qualified as real food. The emphasis back then felt more on speed and convenience than on quality or enjoyment, leaving little room for savoring the meal or trying diverse flavors.
The cultural shift goes beyond just the food itself. Italian lunches promote exposure to varied dishes early on, which helps reduce pickiness in kids over time. Hogan noted that even some local parents complain about the menus and wish for improvements, reflecting the high expectations in Italy. As an outsider entering the public system, she finds the quality impressive and satisfying compared to what she grew up with. This experience ties into broader lifestyle differences her family has embraced, from walking everywhere to appreciating local landscapes and a less hectic routine.
@clarahogan Italian public school lunch vs American public school lunch 🇮🇹🇺🇸 Here’s what my kids are eating in Italian public school this week. Thought it would be interesting to share the full menu with those who would be interested. No surprise there’s lots of pasta, but also some amazing meat dishes, vegetable dishes, and delicious snacks. My daughters eat very well every day and for that I am grateful. Also, kids here get a full hour to eat every day and multiple courses. Lunch is seen as a moment to take a pause, relax and enjoy your food rather than something to rush through. ##schoollunch##parenting##feedingkids##lifeinitaly##nutritiontok ♬ original sound – clarainitaly🇮🇹
Many viewers on TikTok echoed her surprise, with discussions about how rushed American lunches can leave kids hungry or limit their willingness to try new foods. Others pointed out the value of dedicated meal times in fostering healthier eating habits long-term. Hogan’s video sparked conversations on nutrition, portion quality, and the role of school meals in teaching appreciation for good food.
What do you think about the differences in school lunches between Italy and the USA, and which approach would you prefer for kids in the comments.
