[Sayama City, Saitama Pref.] Supporting the World Cup with School Lunches! International Cuisine Debuts in June

## Overview
The Sayama City School Lunch Center is introducing dishes from the host country and Japan's opponents to mark the soccer World Cup in June. Cuisine from 10 countries, including Scotland, Spain, and Tunisia, has been incorporated into the June school lunch menu.

## Features of the Initiative
During June, 14 menu items will be provided across 10 out of 22 school lunch sessions for both elementary and junior high schools. Nutrition teacher Kobayashi developed the menu and wears a Japan representative uniform and happi coat to heighten interest in food. The center also uses bulletin boards at school entrances and distributes recipes that families can recreate at home.

## Key June World Cup-related Menu Items
- Netherlands: Tomato soup, Teriyaki chicken, etc.
- USA: Jambalaya, French fries, etc.
- Canada: Salmon chowder, Handmade hamburger, etc.
- Tunisia: Ojja, Basil chicken, etc.
- Mexico: Pozole soup, Taco meat, etc.
- South Korea: Tteok soup, Bibimbap, Sayamatcha pudding, etc.
- France: Paysanne soup, Chicken with ratatouille sauce, etc.
- Spain: Spaghetti meat sauce, Spanish omelet, etc.
- Brazil: Feijoada, etc.
- Scotland: Scotch broth, White fish fritter, etc.

## Sayama Tea Menu
Sayama City incorporates local specialty ingredients throughout the year. Five menu items using "Sayama Tea" were provided from May through June:
- Sayama tea pilaf
- Mizuna tea salad
- Sayama tea fritters
- Sayama tea bonito furikake
- Sayamatcha pudding

## Future Initiatives
Due to the recent rise in food prices, a revision of school lunch fees is scheduled for fiscal year 2026. The city plans to use subsidies to maintain the quality of nutritionally balanced school lunches while reducing the burden on parents.