KYIV, UKRAINE: The transformative power of school meals took center stage at the European School Meals Summit, held recently. Organized by Ukraine’s School Nutrition Reform team and supported by global experts, the summit brought together policymakers, nutrition specialists, and education leaders to discuss how universal school meal programs can shape the future of millions of children worldwide.
The event, hosted for the first time in Ukraine, underscored the critical role of school meals in ensuring every child has access to nutritious food by 2030. This ambitious vision is driven by the School Meals Coalition (SMC), a government-led alliance of over 100 countries working to strengthen and scale up national school meal programs as a cornerstone for child development, education, and economic resilience.
Professor Donald Bundy, Director of the Research Consortium for School Health and Nutrition at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), chaired a pivotal discussion with European finance ministers on how school meals transcend their initial purpose of addressing hunger.
“School meals are far more than just food on a plate,” said Professor Bundy. “They are a foundation for child well-being, improved learning outcomes, stronger local agriculture, and long-term economic growth. For countries rebuilding from crisis, such as Ukraine, these programs serve as a critical investment in their human capital.”
This sentiment resonated deeply with attendees, particularly as Ukraine uses its school meals program to support children amidst ongoing conflict.
First Lady Olena Zelenska, who initiated Ukraine’s School Nutrition Reform in 2020, has championed school meals as an integral part of rebuilding the country’s education system. Speaking at the summit, Zelenska highlighted the importance of reliable access to nutritious food, particularly during wartime.
“Food is not just nourishment; it’s a significant factor in academic and life success,” she remarked. “Even during times of war, our mission remains to ensure that every child is supported throughout their school journey.”
Since the reform’s inception, Ukraine has made strides in accelerating its school meals program, including joining the School Meals Coalition in 2023. With support from the Research Consortium for School Health and Nutrition, Ukraine has developed evidence-based policies in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and documented its initiatives to scale up school nutrition.
The summit extended its focus beyond Ukraine, emphasizing that school meals are vital for every child on the planet. Leaders from 20 European nations shared their experiences, highlighting the universal benefits of school meals across health, education, agriculture, and social protection sectors.
Professor Bundy underscored the global applicability of this effort, stating, “Through our Global Academy of over 1,000 experts in 90 countries, we are committed to building a global evidence base on what makes a successful school meals program. Whether in conflict zones or stable economies, ensuring children have access to nutritious meals is an investment in the future of every nation.”
The School Meals Coalition promotes a multi-sectoral approach to school meals, integrating health services, education reform, and agricultural development. The summit’s discussions revealed how these programs not only improve student performance but also drive local economic growth by sourcing ingredients from nearby farms.
Ukraine’s own efforts stand as an example of resilience and innovation. Despite challenges, its school meals program demonstrates how nutrition can be a stabilizing force for children during crises, ensuring they have the energy and focus needed to succeed academically and personally.
As the summit concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to making nutritious school meals accessible to every child. Leaders recognized that global collaboration is essential to achieving the goal of universal coverage by 2030.
“School meals are more than just a policy – they’re a lifeline,” said Professor Bundy. “The future of our children, and ultimately our nations, depends on the choices we make today to invest in their health and education.”
By drawing on shared experiences, innovative practices, and scientific research, countries can work together to ensure that no child, regardless of where they live, goes without the nourishment they need to thrive.