Dining Location for Lunch and Dietary Habits of Elementary School Children on Weekend

Abstract

A questionnaire survey was conducted to examine the dining locations and weekend lunch meal content of elementary school students. The results showed that the percentage of both children who ate meals with a small number of dishes and those who ate meals with a large number of dishes at "home" was high. The frequency of soups and dairy products, such as milk, was higher in the "home" and "grandparents/friends' home" categories, likely due to the convenience of consuming these foods in these settings. In contrast, meals eaten in restaurants typically consisted of ramen with toppings or a set menus featuring two main items, such as a hamburger and French fries. In the "park" and "practice" categories, where packed meals were common, the average number of dishes exceeded three. However, in the exercise-related "practice" category, simpler lunches consisting only of rice balls or supplemented nutritional jelly and sports drinks were more frequently reported. These variations in meal content across different dining locations can be attributed to differences in the environment, including food availability and hygiene considerations. Therefore, it is essential to provide tailored nutritional advice that considers the specific characteristics of each dining location.