Going Global: 5 Reasons World Cuisines are Booming Among Students

International foods resonate with today’s students, who are more globally connected than ever before. Many members of Gen Alpha (those born since 2010) are growing up in multicultural communities and exposed to diverse foods at home, in restaurants and through media.

Districts are discovering that the school cafeteria can be a powerful tool for helping students explore the world while supporting their well-being, sense of belonging and academic growth. Here are five ways that incorporating international dishes into school menus benefits students, educators and communities alike.

1. Fosters a sense of belonging for diverse students

In schools with diverse student populations, offering familiar dishes can affirm students’ identities and foster inclusion. When a child sees something from their cultural background on the lunch menu, it signals respect and belonging. This can make a powerful difference.  

Research from the Learning Policy Institute finds that students who feel seen and valued at school are more likely to attend school regularly, perform better academically and have stronger mental health [4]. For students who see Sodexo offerings such as a pork Cuban sandwich, chana masala or Korean BBQ noodle bowl, it might be the first time they’ve noticed their culture represented in a school setting. These moments foster pride, reduce social stigma and promote equity and belonging.

At Nogales School District in Arizona, for instance, the menu features authentic Mexican dishes such as daily rice and beans, carnitas con chili, chicken pozole, from-scratch tortillas and more. By working with parents and students to provide what the community craves, lunch participation increases, along with the sense of belonging for students throughout the school community.

2. Stimulates positive brain chemistry and well-being

Many international cuisines, such as those from Asia and the Mediterranean, feature more vegetables than traditional cafeteria fare. This uptick in vegetable consumption can contribute to better physical health and helps address common nutrient deficiencies among youth. A healthy, diverse diet can also positively impact parts of the brain that are directly related to learning and memory [5]. Additionally, introducing diverse sensory experiences — such as the bold spices of Sodexo school offerings like Thai coconut curry or Szechuan pork stir-fry — can stimulate dopamine release in the brain, which can help boost moods and promote learning [6].

3. Enhances cultural literacy and global awareness

When students eat globally inspired food, they engage with new ideas, traditions and histories, which can spark conversations, curiosity and creativity. Students who try a new food at school — such as a Greek shawarma flatbread sandwich, Tandoori chicken or other flavorful Sodexo school offerings — are connecting with the broader world in a way that traditional cafeteria food can’t offer. Studies show that cultural literacy is linked to better academic performance and stronger communication skills. Students with global awareness show improved problem-solving abilities, empathy and adaptability — all critical 21st-century skills [7].

4. Promotes healthier eating habits

Many international cuisines are rich in whole grains, legumes and lean proteins — offering a naturally healthy profile. For example:  

• Mediterranean diets emphasize olive oil, lentils and fresh produce.  
• Traditional Latin American meals often include protein-rich beans, avocado and grilled meats.  
• East Asian cuisines feature steamed vegetables, tofu and healthful broth-based soups.

Introducing students to these global foods helps normalize healthy eating and encourages lifelong dietary variety. Through Bright Bites Kitchen and Crave, Sodexo provides a wide variety of nutritious, delicious international options, from the Mediterranean, Asia, Latin America, North Africa, India, South America and more. The CDC reports that offering a broad range of flavors and textures can improve nutrition for children [8].

5. Reduces food waste and increases participation

When students are excited about what’s on the menu, they eat more and waste less. From bao buns to lasagna Bolognese, Sodexo provides globally inspired meals that may taste like home or deliver bold new flavors that some students may not yet know. Either way, schools that introduce international options often report an increase in engagement among students.  

By embracing international cuisine, schools can meet multiple goals: improving student health, increasing engagement, honoring diversity and reducing waste. Globally inspired meals are not only flavorful and fun — they represent a forward-thinking approach to student growth and success. 

Sources:

1. Food Service Equipment & Supplies (2024). https://fesmag.com/topics/trends/22095-today%E2%80%99s-k-12-foodservice
2. Datassential. (2023). By The Numbers: A Look at Gen Alpha. https://datassential.com/resource/gen-alpha/
3. School Nutrition Association. (2023). 2023 School Nutrition Trends Report. https://schoolnutrition.org/resource/2023-school-nutrition-trends-report/
4. Learning Policy Institute. (n.d.). The Importance of School Climate. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/product-files/Educating_Whole_Child_REPORT.pdf
5. Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. (2023). https://www.bakerinstitute.org/research/good-food-vital-brain-health-so-we-must-change-food-industry
6. National Institutes of Health (2011). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3032992/
7. American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. https://www.actfl.org/educator-resources/guiding-principles-for-language-learning/benefits-of-language-learning  
8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Strategies to Improve the Quality of School Meals. https://www.cdc.gov/school-nutrition/facts/index.html