In this blog, author Daniel Henrique Bandoni discusses the importance of offering free school meals to all children. The full paper, “It is time: free meals at schools for all“, is published in the British Journal of Nutrition and is free to access.

The importance of healthy dietary habits, especially in early life, is crucial for overall nutrition, health, and development in children. School Food Programs (SFP) have gained significant attention as drivers of healthy eating and academic performance.

Universal SFP provide free meals to all students, regardless of their family income. This has several benefits, including:

• Equity: Universal SFPs ensure that all students have access to healthy meals, regardless of their socioeconomic status. This can help to reduce food insecurity and improve equity in health outcomes.
• Improved academic performance: Studies have shown that students who eat regular meals perform better in school.
• Reduced absenteeism: Students who are hungry are more likely to miss school. Universal SFPs can help to reduce absenteeism and improve school attendance.
• Improved health outcomes: Universal SFPs can help to improve children’s overall health and well-being by providing them with access to healthy meals.

In this context, Brazil and India serve as interesting case studies. Brazil’s School Food Program (PNAE) is one of the world’s largest, providing universal access to at least one free meal daily for all students in public schools. The program emphasizes nutrition guidelines, prioritizing fresh and minimally processed foods purchased from family farmers, and has been shown to impact positively students’ diets and nutritional status.

Similarly, India’s Mid-Day Meal (MDM) program, the largest school feeding program globally, covers over 100 million children. MDM has shown positive effects on learning achievement, net enrollment, and intergenerational nutritional benefits, contributing to improvements in child growth.

The evidence from Brazil and India suggests that universal free school meals positively impact dietary intake, nutritional status, learning achievement, and school attendance. In the face of global challenges, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and increasing food insecurity, SFPs have proven to be adaptable and crucial in ensuring food security for families and communities.

SFPs are not only about providing meals but also play a crucial role in promoting sustainable food systems. By incorporating a local supply component, SFPs can stimulate local markets, support family farmers, and contribute to sustainable development. Sustainable SFPs consider factors like purchasing locally, reducing food waste, and incorporating nutrition education focused on sustainability.

Food and Nutrition Education are key components of SFPs, influencing food choices and promoting healthy eating practices. These programs offer opportunities for exposure to and access to healthy foods, contributing to changes in eating habits and long-term food security.

The current global food system poses public health risks, and implementing free SFPs can be a catalyst for positive change. As schools serve as levers for social change, providing healthy and free meals for all students is essential for contributing to the dietary quality, health, and well-being of children and adolescents worldwide. It is time to offer healthy and free meals in schools for everyone.

Click here to read the full paper published in the British Journal of of Nutrition.