The 2024 Global Survey of School Meal Programs, conducted by the Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF), provides a comprehensive overview of school meal initiatives worldwide. With 142 countries participating in the survey and detailed data on 207 large-scale programs, the survey highlights the critical role of school meals in promoting education, health, and social equity which is of interest and relates clearly to the aim and activities in SchoolFood4Change.
Expanding Reach and Participation
For the third time GCNF has carried out their global survey – the first made in 2019. The 2024 survey reveals a significant increase in the reach of school meal programs, with more countries participating and more children benefiting from nutritious meals. This follows from the aggregate scale of these programs, which reach at least 407.8 million children worldwide and are found in at least 148 countries. The data shows that these programs are not only expanding in scale but also improving in quality, with a focus on locally sourced and culturally appropriate foods.
Nutritional and Educational Benefits
School meal programs have been shown to enhance both nutritional status and educational outcomes. The survey highlights that children receiving school meals are more likely to attend school regularly and perform better academically. This underscores the importance of integrating nutrition into educational policies.
Environmental, Economic and Social Impact
Beyond immediate health benefits, school meal programs contribute to broader environmental, economic and social goals. Sustainability is increasingly prioritized in school meal programs, with countries implementing a variety of initiatives to both limit their environmental vulnerability and reduce their environmental impact. For example, it could be about reducing food and package waste and serving more locally produced food. By supporting local agriculture and creating jobs, these programs stimulate economic growth. Additionally, they play a crucial role in social protection, providing a safety net for vulnerable populations.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the progress, the survey identifies several challenges, including funding constraints and logistical issues. However, it also points to opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Here the SchoolFood4Change project can serve as an example how international cooperation can drive improvements in school meal programs. By sharing best practices and resources, initiatives like Schoolfood4change can help overcome barriers and enhance the effectiveness of school feeding efforts.
The Way Forward
The findings of the 2024 Global Survey of School Meal Programs highlight the need for sustained investment and policy support. As countries continue to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, school meal programs will be essential in building resilient and equitable food systems in the world. The EU’s commitment to projects like SchoolFood4Change demonstrates a promising path forward, fostering healthier and more inclusive communities.
Do you want to read the whole report? Find more information at: https://gcnf.org/global-survey/