A Revolution on the Plate: UNESCO's Call for Nutritious School Meals to Shape a Healthier Future

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Paris, March 27, 2025 – A child’s future is often shaped by what’s on their plate. Yet, despite the increasing global availability of school meals, a new UNESCO report reveals a troubling reality: nutritional quality remains an afterthought in many school meal programs. As the world grapples with rising child obesity and food insecurity, UNESCO is sounding the alarm—demanding an urgent transformation in school food policies to ensure that what children eat fuels both their health and learning.

Beyond Access: The Quality Crisis in School Meals

For years, policymakers have celebrated the progress in making school meals accessible, with nearly half of the world’s primary school children now receiving food at school. However, as UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay stresses, access alone is not enough.

"We need to go further and look at what is on their plates. The focus should be on balanced meals made with fresh produce, and teaching children good eating habits to ensure they grow up healthy. It’s a major issue for health and education,” Azoulay declared.

The numbers paint a stark picture: nearly 27% of school meals worldwide are designed without consulting nutritionists, and less than half of all countries have strict regulations on the food served in schools. Even among the 93 nations with food policies in place, many lack enforcement mechanisms, allowing unhealthy, ultra-processed foods to infiltrate school cafeterias.

This oversight comes at a dangerous cost. The rate of childhood obesity has more than doubled since 1990, while food insecurity is also on the rise. Without urgent intervention, today’s generation of students could be left battling the consequences of malnutrition—whether in the form of undernourishment or diet-related diseases.

Food as an Educational Tool: The Case for Nutrition Reform

UNESCO’s latest report, “Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well,” released in time for the Nutrition for Growth summit hosted by France, argues that school meals should be more than just a feeding program—they should be an integral part of a child’s education.

"Schools must be a place where healthy habits are cultivated, not undermined. Eating locally produced, fresh school meals, delivered by informed school nutritionists is part of a child’s education," says Daniel Humm, UNESCO’s Goodwill Ambassador for Food Education and a three Michelin-starred chef.

Scientific studies back this claim. UNESCO’s research confirms that school meals not only combat undernourishment but also increase enrollment rates by 9% and attendance by 8%, while boosting students’ academic performance. The simple act of providing fortified, nutrient-rich meals has already demonstrated remarkable improvements in children’s focus, memory, and overall well-being.

Global Success Stories: Leading the Way in Nutrition

Despite the widespread shortcomings, some countries have successfully turned school meals into a powerful tool for public health and education:

Brazil: The national school feeding program, supported by UNESCO, banned ultra-processed foods and emphasized fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

China: A policy introducing vegetables, milk, and eggs in rural schools dramatically improved children’s nutrient intake and school attendance.

Nigeria: Since 2014, the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme has provided daily balanced meals to public primary school students, raising enrollment rates by 20%.

India: The inclusion of fortified organic pearl millet in Maharashtra schools has enhanced adolescent cognitive abilities, particularly attention span and memory.

These initiatives prove that quality matters—and that prioritizing fresh, nutritious meals is not just possible, but essential.

A Call to Action: Making Nutrition a Priority in Schools

UNESCO is pushing for governments and educators worldwide to adopt food education as a core part of school curricula. This means:

Shifting towards fresh, locally sourced foods in school meals

Eliminating ultra-processed and high-sugar options

Enforcing strict nutritional guidelines for school cafeterias and vending machines

Educating students on healthy eating habits from an early age

To aid in this transition, UNESCO is developing a comprehensive toolkit for schools and policymakers, including a practical manual and training programs for educators. The initiative will also align with the Coalition for School Meals, which works to ensure that every child receives a nutritious meal at school.

The Role of Culinary Leaders in School Nutrition

Recognizing the power of food in shaping cultures and societies, UNESCO has enlisted the help of renowned chefs to advocate for better school meals. Mauro Colagreco has been working on biodiversity in food, while Daniel Humm focuses on food education—both playing critical roles in pushing for sustainable and health-conscious food policies.

By blending culinary excellence with education, UNESCO aims to transform the way the world feeds its children—one meal at a time.

Conclusion: A Future Built on Healthy Plates

School meals are more than just a daily necessity; they are a foundation for lifelong health, learning, and well-being. UNESCO’s bold call for action challenges governments, educators, and communities to rethink how we nourish our children—not just in terms of quantity, but quality.

With the right policies and commitment, the school cafeteria can become a classroom of its own—where children not only eat to fill their stomachs but learn to fuel their future.

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