A staggering 40% of countries have no regulations ensuring the safety of food served in schools, according to UNESCO’s latest Global Education Monitoring (GEM) report. The absence of such policies raises serious concerns about the health and well-being of millions of schoolchildren worldwide.
Gaps in Global Food Safety Standards
Out of 187 countries reviewed, only 93 have laws or standards governing school meals. Even more troubling, less than a third of those countries restrict the marketing of unhealthy food and beverages on school premises.
The report, supported by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the School Meals Coalition, highlights a lack of comprehensive food safety oversight in both policy and practice.
Low- and Middle-Income Nations Lag Behind
In 30 low- and middle-income countries studied, food and nutrition education is often delivered through short-term projects rather than being embedded in the school curriculum. While many school meal programs aim to improve nutrition and health, few explicitly target prevention of obesity or unhealthy weight gain.
National bans on selling junk food near schools are rare, although most countries have some restrictions on food advertising near campuses.
Inequality in School Meal Coverage and Funding
Globally, 459 million primary school children received school meals in 2024, a rise from 418 million in 2022. But disparities in implementation and funding remain stark:
- Despite $80 billion in global spending, 60% of programs still charge families, limiting access.
- One-third of programs are underfunded, especially in lower-income countries.
Countries like Brazil, Finland, South Korea, and Sweden have achieved near-universal coverage. In India, the PM Poshan Scheme (formerly Mid-Day Meal Scheme) has helped boost school enrolment, particularly among girls and marginalized communities. However, issues like delayed fund transfers and weak monitoring persist.
Tamil Nadu stands out with its breakfast program, which has improved student attendance significantly.
Challenges in High-Income Countries
Even wealthy nations aren’t immune. In the UK, access to school meals is threatened by budget cuts, with nearly 900,000 children in England excluded due to strict eligibility rules.
Call for Stronger Action
UNESCO’s report urges governments to prioritize comprehensive, well-funded food policies that promote health and safety in schools. Long-term commitment, equitable access, and local implementation are key to ensuring every child has the chance to learn and grow with proper nutrition.
