2018 年 76 巻 Supplement 号 p. S74-S85
Objective: To compile rules concerning monitoring and evaluation systems related to implementation of the school lunch program in Japan based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle.
Methods: Using surveys conducted by MEXT and related organizations, we compiled data on monitoring and evaluation and then extracted and organized monitoring/evaluation items, document titles, subjects, implementation time, and frequency.
Results: Monitoring and evaluation systems were divided into two categories: "Healthy development of children" and "Operation of school lunch programs." Both should be conducted in conjunction with each other. For "healthy development of children," it is necessary to evaluate school children's dietary habits, attitudes, QOL, and health status. Concerning "operation of school lunch programs," an understanding is required of nutrition/dietary controls, menu controls, receiving, storage and inventory control of foodstuffs, financial management, food safety and hygiene management, and quality control. "Nutritional Standards" corresponding to nutrition and dietary control, and the implementation status of school lunch programs are reported annually. As a result, an increase in children's height and body weight has been observed in line with improvements in school lunches and the overall quality of meals.
Conclusion: School lunch programs in Japan play an important educational role. To be successful, it requires coordinated monitoring and evaluation of school children's status and the operation of the program.