Publications and resources

This white paper explores how school meals can drive food systems transformation, focusing on nutrition, climate resilience, and sustainability. It emphasizes the integration of local agriculture, the reduction of food waste, and the promotion of healthier, planet-friendly diets in school programs. Various case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of these policies across diverse contexts.

Pastorino S, Bundy D, Springmann M, Burbano C. School Meals and Food Systems. Research Consortium for School Health and Nutrition; January 2024.

This case study outlines Ethiopia’s school meals program, including government-led initiatives and development partner involvement. It highlights the integration of Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) to support local agriculture and combat malnutrition. The program focuses on food security, increasing school attendance, and promoting educational outcomes in food-insecure regions.

Memirie ST. School Meals Case Study: Ethiopia. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; December 2023.

This statement summarizes the outcomes of the first School Meals Coalition Global Summit held in Paris on October 18-19, 2023. The summit highlighted the Coalition's growth, emphasizing school meal programs as pivotal for education, health, social protection, and food system transformation. Key achievements include increased global investment in school meals and commitments to expand and enhance these programs worldwide.

This report summarizes key outcomes from the School Meals Coalition Global Summit in Paris (2023), where countries and partners reaffirmed commitments to expanding school meal programmes. It highlights progress, new country pledges, financing strategies, and the role of school meals in education, nutrition, food systems, and climate action.

This case study details Finland's long-standing universal school meals program, which has been providing free meals to all students for over 75 years. The program emphasizes sustainability, local food procurement, and balanced nutrition. It plays a crucial role in educational equality, promoting health and well-being, and supporting local economies.

Kuusipalo H, Manninen M. School Meals Case Study: Finland. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; November 2023.

This case study discusses the French school meals program, focusing on the role of local, sustainable food procurement, and nutrition education within schools. It emphasizes France's national strategy for promoting organic foods, reducing food waste, and improving nutritional outcomes in schools. The case highlights policies such as universal free school meals and dietary standards set by the French government.

Avallone S, Verger EO, Brunin J, Demailly S, Plessz M. School Meals Case Study: France. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; September 2023.

This working paper provides an in-depth analysis of Wales' school meals program. It explores the design, implementation, and financing of school meal initiatives, including the transition to universal free school meals in primary schools. The study highlights the role of school meals in addressing food insecurity and promoting local food systems through public procurement.

Brophy S, Woolley K. School Meals Case Study: Wales. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; 2022.

This policy brief advocates for the G20 to champion planet-friendly school meal programs (SMPs) as a strategy to address multiple crises affecting children, including poverty, hunger, and climate change. It highlights the multifaceted benefits of SMPs, such as improving attendance, nutrition, health, and fostering systemic changes in food systems. It features Brazil’s leadership and South Korea’s approach to eco-friendly food markets, urging greater global investment in school meals.