Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well

Current Context: At France’s ‘Nutrition for Growth’ event (March 27-28, 2025), UNESCO’s report “Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well” urged better school meal standards.

Key Findings

• 47% of primary pupils receive meals, but quality is lacking.
• 27% of meals lack nutritionist input; only 93/187 countries have food laws.
• Childhood obesity doubled since 1990, while food insecurity persists.

Successful Initiatives

• Brazil: Bans ultra-processed foods.
• China: Added dairy & vegetables.
• Nigeria: School feeding raised enrolment by 20%.
• India: Fortified millet improved adolescent cognition.

Recommendations

• Prioritize fresh, local food; cut processed & sugary items.
• Integrate food education in schools.
• Develop nutrition-focused policies & training.