For perspective: I come from a country where “cafeteria” food at school is good and affordable (most is less than the equivalent of 5-10 USD max and it’s not slop, it’s actual food), but it’s not an obligation for everyone since it’s up to the student if they want to buy something or bring their own lunch.
The “cafeteria” in my school isn’t a typical American one, rather it’s closer to a canteen where they sell food you can purchase from cup noodles, fried stuff, sandwiches, baked goods, etc. also appliances like a kettle or microwave are available in the dining hall for students to heat up left overs if they wanted.
The thing I tend to notice from American schools (according to US movies, there’s bias whether it’s true or false) is that they tend to depict kids always heading for the cafeteria for recess or lunch picking up whats available instead of bringing their own food from home (left overs from dinner), why is that the case?
The average cost of school lunch in the United States in 2025 was about $3.20, before subsidies bring them down to free for many families. So the cost to the actual families is often between $0 and $2, and almost always under $4 for the pre-set lunch.
Also, speaking as an American parent who often packs kids lunch from home, it’s just a lot of work in a tight window between my kids waking up and getting to school on time. I’ve got enough tasks to do in the morning, sometimes I just don’t feel like adding to that task and have my kids buy lunch instead. I’m literally a former professional cook and meal prep is really easy and fast for me, but sometimes I just don’t want to.
We in Germany just pack a sandwich (some meat, sausage and/or cheese between bread slices) and some vegetable or something.
Not like we are doing major lunches lol. Though they are an option (lunch in cafeteria that is)
I’ve seen German students literally eating in class. It’s bizarre
As a German, you don’t understand the social constraints of a North American. Best not to ever eat anything any time. If you need to, get the most casual thing possible. Bringing something from home is lame
Eating in class is unusual (beyond a small candy). Chewing gum is usually prohibited by the teacher but it depends.
The only times I was specifically told and allowed by the teacher(s) to snack was for my final exam (explicitly told to not bring loud stuff like chip bags to avoid disturbance).
Anything else is stealth snacking and praying the teacher doesnt notice.