The Power of School Meals for Children, Livelihoods, and Climate Resilience

Andrea Galante considers what the latest global survey of school meal programmes means for ensuring children's present and future nutrition and success. 

10 February, 2025

School meal programs are often perceived as short-term interventions to alleviate hunger and encourage school attendance. However, these programs have far greater potential. They can support livelihoods, promote climate resilience, engage children and communities in creating long-term solutions for food security, and transform entire food systems. Integrating these approaches into school meal policies can combat hunger and build stronger, more sustainable communities. 

The 2024 Global Survey of School Meal Programs, launched last month, is more than just a research effort—it serves as a roadmap for transforming children’s lives, enhancing local economies, and addressing climate challenges. The findings emphasize that investing in school meals yields significant returns: for every $1 invested, up to $9 in economic and social benefits can be generated. 

Using Data to Guide School Meal Transformation 

Effective school meal programs depend on data-driven decision-making. Reliable data helps governments and stakeholders assess program coverage, nutritional outcomes, funding needs, and economic impacts. The 2024 Global Survey revealed that: 

• Coverage Gaps: Although school meal programs reached over 407 million children, only 13% of school-age children in low-income countries are covered, compared to 48% in high-income countries. 

• Budget Challenges: Low-income countries spend just USD 8 per child per year, far below the USD 611 per child in high-income settings. Accurate budget data helps governments allocate resources more effectively to ensure adequate funding. 

Policymakers can make targeted improvements by tracking indicators such as nutritional quality, school attendance, and local food sourcing. For example, data showing low diversity in school meal menus has prompted programs to include more nutrient-rich, locally available foods. 

Programs can also use data to monitor climate impacts and sustainability measures, such as reductions in food waste, energy efficiency, and the use of climate-friendly crops. Data collection and analysis must become integral to program management to ensure that school meal programs are adaptable, effective, and equitable. 

Supporting Livelihoods through Local Food Systems 

School meal programs create significant economic opportunities for smallholder farmers and other local food system actors. By sourcing ingredients locally, these programs provide a stable and reliable market for farmers struggling to sell their produce. 80% of school meal programs in low-income countries aim to provide such market access. This improves farmers' incomes, increases agricultural productivity, and stimulates rural economies. 

Beyond farming, school meal programs create jobs for cooks, food handlers, and other supply chain workers. These jobs, often held by women, promote gender equity and economic empowerment. Additionally, schools use local suppliers and processors to strengthen local business ecosystems and reduce vulnerability to global food market fluctuations. 

The ENOUGH Campaign advocates for policies that enhance these local economic linkages, ensuring that school meal programs drive inclusive development. 

Reducing Climate Change Impact with Sustainable Practices 

Climate change is a significant threat to food systems, but school meal programs can be essential in adaptation and mitigation efforts. Programs can reduce their environmental impact by: 

1. Local Procurement: Sourcing food locally reduces food miles, lowering the carbon footprint of meal delivery. Around 79% of programs globally have adopted strategies to reduce food miles. 
2. Climate-Friendly Menus: Programs can introduce drought-resistant and climate-resilient crops such as legumes, cassava, and other nitrogen-fixing plants. These crops require fewer resources to grow, improve soil health, and promote biodiversity. 
3. Food Waste Reduction: Approximately 81% of school meal programs have implemented measures to minimize food waste. Initiatives include composting, using sealed storage, and educating students and staff on waste reduction practices. 
4. Energy Efficiency: Schools are increasingly adopting clean cooking technologies, such as fuel-efficient stoves, to reduce deforestation and air pollution. Some programs have also experimented with using biogas from composted food waste.