The School Food Collective

Supporting Independent School Caterers in Japan

The School Food Collective strengthens independent school caterers in Japan by providing shared standards, ethical supplier networks, and a supportive community.

OUR MEMBER SCHOOLS

The School Food Collective brings together independent school caterers who share a commitment to fresh, ethical, and locally-sourced meals. 


Each of our member schools operates their kitchen independently, keeping complete focus on their unique community. Meet the schools leading the way in independent school catering.

Serving 800 students from early years through senior school, YIS celebrates the remarkable diversity of its 60+ nationalities through thoughtfully prepared meals that honor different cultures and dietary traditions. 


Since 2015, their independent catering team has built a food program that goes beyond the cafeteria—offering cooking classes to the wider community and creating a welcoming space where global flavors meet fresh, local ingredients.

With 1,000 students to feed daily from early years through senior school, ASIJ has earned a reputation for their creative and unorthodox approach to school dining. 


Their talented team seamlessly blends traditional Japanese and American cuisines, creating menus that surprise and delight. Independence allows them to take risks, experiment with flavors, and maintain the high standards that have made their food program legendary among international schools.

Serving 600 students from early years through senior school, the German School honors its cultural roots while embracing the best of Japanese local produce. Since 2015, their independent kitchen has created a food service that represents the German community's values—hearty, wholesome meals prepared with care and precision. 


Their commitment to authentic flavors while adapting to life in Japan exemplifies what independent catering makes possible.

These founding member schools prove that independent catering delivers something corporate operations cannot: food programs shaped by the unique character and needs of each school community.

The School Food Collective strengthens independent school caterers in Japan by providing shared standards, ethical supplier networks, and a supportive community. 


Together, we prove that independent operators who keep their complete focus on one school can deliver what large corporate caterers cannot: meals prepared with care, served with purpose, and rooted in community.

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© 2025 School Food Collective. A not-for-profit collective supporting independent school caterers across Japan.