학교 급식에서의 음식 윤리 교육의 중요성

Abstract

This study is about food ethics which can be found in school meal services. In Korea, the entire nation whose age is between 8 to 16 are provided with school meals for free, which have equal quantity and quality. Through these school meals, we could offer students education on food ethics and experiences to think about moral issues on food. Since industrial farming pursues increased productivity rather than ethical production, many agricultural chemicals and chemical fertilizers are forced to be used, with the focus on mass production of single species. Livestock productions also comes in a similar form, in disregard of animal rights and the environment. GMO food is also part of the trend. Production of local or organic food, and small-scale farming could be suggested as an ethical alternative. However, there are practical constraints which make it difficult to realize ethical food culture in school meals. Nonetheless, students should know about the food they eat and be responsible for their eating. Though they would not be able to have a full choice of school meals, it is very important to learn how the choices work and what they mean. In spite of practical difficulties which are related to choosing ethical food in schools, it would be meaningful to provide students with experience of food ethics and opportunities to think about their responsibilities.