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An American teacher living in Spain is turning heads online after sharing a surprisingly honest look at school lunches—revealing a stark contrast between what students eat in Europe versus the United States.
From Ohio Cafeterias to Spanish Cuisine
Addey Blakeney, originally from Ohio, has been living and working in Seville, Spain for nearly two years. Her journey began during college, where she studied marketing and Spanish and briefly lived in Spain before the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to return home.
But the experience left a lasting impression.
“I loved it so much and knew I wanted to come back,” she explained.
After spending a few years working in marketing, Blakeney made a bold career shift—moving back to Spain to work as an English language assistant at an elementary school. It’s a decision she says she doesn’t regret.
And one unexpected highlight of the job? The food.
A Completely Different Lunch Experience
Blakeney quickly noticed that school meals in Spain are nothing like what she grew up with in the U.S.
“I remember having spaghetti, pizza, grilled cheese, and occasionally salads or vegetables,” she said. “But it was nothing like here.”
In Spain, school lunches are far more diverse, balanced, and fresh. Meals typically include:
- Cooked vegetables and fresh salads
- Fish, including fresh white fish common in southern Spain
- Meat dishes like marinated pork or chicken
- Traditional meals such as Fabada Asturiana (a rich bean stew)
- Fresh fruit and yogurt served as dessert
“There’s always variety,” she explained. “And everything is cooked with ingredients like olive oil—it feels more natural and less processed.”
“It Looks Bad, But It’s Actually Good”
Blakeney recently shared her weekly school lunches on TikTok, joking that the photos might not look appealing at first glance.
“My pictures look so foul but I promise it’s good,” she wrote.
Despite the humble presentation, the meals reflect a strong emphasis on nutrition, balance, and whole foods—something many viewers found eye-opening.
More Than Just Food: A Healthier Approach to Eating
Beyond the meals themselves, the structure of the school day also plays a major role.
Students in her school receive:
- Up to 1.5 hours for lunch and recess
- Time to eat slowly, socialize, and relax
- Freedom to balance eating and outdoor activity
School hours run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., allowing for this extended break.
“I think it makes a big difference not feeling rushed,” Blakeney said. “The kids can enjoy their food and actually have time to talk and move around.”
Could the U.S. Learn From This?
Blakeney believes the European model offers valuable lessons.
“I think the European approach would be very beneficial if adapted in the U.S.—more fresh food, more variety, and less processed meals.”
And she’s not alone in that opinion.
A 2024 study published in Health Affairs Scholar, based on a survey of over 1,100 parents in California, found:
- Only 36.9% believed school lunches were high quality
- Just 39.6% said meals were tasty
- Only 44.0% considered them healthy
- About 54.2% felt their children had enough time to eat
These findings highlight growing concerns among parents about both the quality of food and the time students have to eat it.
A Growing Conversation
Blakeney’s viral post is part of a broader trend.
Other Americans living abroad—in countries like Italy and South Korea—have also shared similar comparisons, often praising the emphasis on fresh ingredients, balanced meals, and healthier eating habits in schools overseas.
Final Thoughts
While no system is perfect, the comparison raises an important question:
Should school lunches in the U.S. be reimagined?
With increasing awareness around nutrition, childhood health, and student well-being, stories like this are sparking meaningful conversations—and perhaps, change.