The importance of school feeding programmes to support the nutrition of school-age children, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

The rise of the global overweight and obesity epidemic can be attributed to the rise of modern retail and food service delivery sectors in all countries, has led to changes in the agricultural and food systems, thereby increasing affordability and access to foods and less nutritious drinks. The consequences of school closures on the economic security and well-being of children, their families and their communities are likely to reverse the progress in education over the past decades. Prioritizing children's return to school and using school as a platform to improve nutrition and health will have a huge impact on future generations. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been more impetus and opportunity to bring together governments, donors, organizations and communities in education, health and nutrition. Countries must reframe their efforts to ensure health and nutrition services begin in the first 1,000 days and continue for the next 7,000 days. They must focus their attention on middle school ages globally so that students have access to quality, healthier meals and better learning opportunities. This will strengthen the initial investments in the first 1,000 days and lay a strong foundation for the future of children and their society.