UNESCO Report on Education and Nutrition Highlights Global Concerns Over School Meal Quality
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| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Report Release | UNESCO released "Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well" during the 'Nutrition for Growth' event (hosted by France, March 27-28, 2025). Focus: nutritional quality of school meals and government action. |
| Global Context (2024) | 47% of primary school pupils receive school meals, but many lack adequate nutrition. Proper nutrition linked to reduced child undernourishment and better academic performance. |
| Key Findings | - 27% of school meals (2022) lacked nutritionist input. - Only 93 out of 187 countries had school food legislation. - Just 65% of these had specific cafeteria/vending machine standards. |
| Health Implications | - Childhood obesity doubled since 1990. - Millions lack access to nutritious meals. - UNESCO advocates fresh, locally sourced food over ultra-processed foods. |
| Successful Programs | - Brazil: Banned ultra-processed foods in schools. - China: Added dairy/vegetables, improving rural nutrition. - Nigeria: 20% enrolment rise via Home-Grown School Feeding. - India: Fortified millet boosted cognition in Maharashtra. |
| UNESCO Recommendations | 1. Increase fresh produce in meals. 2. Limit sugary/processed foods. 3. Add nutrition education to curricula. |
| Planned Actions | - Develop guidelines/tools for meal quality. - Train policymakers/school staff on nutrition policies. |