Regional School Meals Event

European Regional School Meals Summit

12–13 Nov 2024
School meals in Ukraine
Mudryak Dmytro Vitaliovych, 7 years old, Yakovets Kira Aleksiivna, 10 years old, Kamyshan Anna Romanivna, 7 years old (l to r) enjoy a meal served in the Sarata's Lyceum, Sarata, Odesa, Ukraine. 29 February 2024.
© WFP/Arete/Serge Poliakov

Kyiv, Ukraine

The Government of Ukraine, in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the School Meals Coalition, is hosting the European Regional School Meals Summit in Kyiv. This summit brings together ministers and high-level representatives from across Europe to accelerate regional and global efforts to ensure that every child has access to a nutritious school meal by 2030.

The summit serves as a forum for European governments to exchange best practices, showcase achievements, and reinforce commitments to school meal programmes to bolster children’s education, health, and development. Summit discussions spotlight how European investments—from sustainable food sourcing to targeted financing initiatives—drive impactful school meal programmes that strengthen local economies, enhance educational outcomes, and support the well-being of children across the continent and worldwide.

Read the outcomes
School meals in Ukraine

Ukraine's leadership

Ukraine has shown strong commitment to children's well-being through its School Nutrition Reform, launched in 2020, at the initiative of the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska. In 2021, Ukraine joined the School Meals Coalition, aligning with the global mission to ensure every child has access to healthy meals in school by 2030. In 2023, the government strengthened its partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Education and Science, ensuring continued access to school meals, even during crises.

School meal programmes in Ukraine go beyond emergency immediate food assistance; they provide a crucial sense of stability and routine for children during a time of upheaval and helps shoulder the duty parents carry to provide for their children at an economically challenging time, reinforcing the importance of school meals as a pillar of support and resilience.

School meals in Finland

School meals in Europe

School meal programmes in Europe began in the late 19th century, led by charities and local groups to combat child malnutrition, highlighting the link between nutrition and learning. This evolved with key legislation like the UK's 1906 Education (Provision of Meals) Act, expanding the state's role in child nutrition. After World War II, school meals became vital to recovery efforts, offering stability and nutrition, especially in places like Germany. Finland further set a precedent with universal free school meals starting in 1948.

With over a century of leadership in school meals, Europe has been at the forefront of efforts to ensure nutritious meals are accessible in schools, setting global standards for quality and reach. Today, 18 European countries are members of the School Meals Coalition, working alongside over 100 member states and 130 partners to advance sustainable food sourcing, enhance nutrition standards, and implement innovative financing strategies to scale and enhance national programmes worldwide.

Summit Outcomes

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European Commission Ukraine
News

Press Release: European leaders unite to strengthen school meals programmes at national, regional, and global levels

Attending Coalition member states

FranceCo-chairSee commitment
FinlandCo-chairSee commitment
Belgium
DenmarkSee commitment
Georgia
Iceland
Italy
LatviaSee commitment
LuxembourgSee commitment
Monaco
Norway
Poland
Spain
SwedenSee commitment
SloveniaSee commitment
UkraineSee commitment
All SMC member states

Case studies

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Case studies
Emergency Response & Recovery School Meals Policy Supporting Families

School Meals Case Study: Ukraine (Working Paper)

This case study discusses Ukraine’s school meals program, focusing on reforms led by the First Lady, Olena Zelenska, and the government's efforts to modernize school canteens and improve food quality. It highlights how the war and the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted school meal access, with significant international support for rebuilding infrastructure and providing free meals to displaced and vulnerable children.

Document cover
Case studies
Agriculture & Food Systems Health & Nutrition School Meals Policy Supporting Families

School Meals Case Study: Finland

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.

Document cover
Case studies
Agriculture & Food Systems Health & Nutrition School Meals Policy

School Meals Case Study: France

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.

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