Publications and resources

This case study documents the evolution of Bangladesh’s school meals programme, from emergency distribution of fortified biscuits to the introduction of diversified meals including cooked food. It explores the programme’s objectives, coverage, procurement models and monitoring systems, while outlining the challenges of scale-up, cost, and sustainability. The study highlights the 2019 national policy, multisectoral coordination efforts, and the upcoming government school feeding programme (2024–2027) aiming to reach 3.46 million children with a mixed menu model.

Fahmida Akter, Chowdhury Mufad Ahmed, Abu Ahmed Shamim.

This report explores the intersection of education and nutrition in the context of Sustainable Development Goals. It advocates for a systemic, life-cycle approach to strengthen both sectors and highlights how investments in education contribute to improved nutrition and vice versa. It underscores the need for robust monitoring of school meal programmes. The report also warns of growing global food insecurity, rising obesity rates, and calls for coordinated efforts across sectors to create healthier, more sustainable food and education systems.

Investing in nutrition during the first 8,000 days of life is one of the most effective ways to improve health, education, and economic outcomes. School meal programmes are a proven, cost-effective solution to ensure children get the nutrition they need to thrive—delivering lifelong benefits and driving progress toward SDG2 and broader development goals. This brief outlines key advocacy and communications opportunities for School Meals Coalition members and partners, and includes suggested messages, facts, and figures.

This case study explores the structure and diversity of Mexico’s school meals programmes, implemented by the National System for Integral Family Development (DIF). It highlights two modalities—cold and hot rations—managed at the state level, and analyses nutrition criteria, food procurement practices, and programme financing. The study also examines intersectoral coordination, programme reach, monitoring and evaluation tools, and ongoing efforts to improve food quality and sustainability.

Andrea Graciela Granja Castro, Edgar Emilio Nava López, Erika E. Alcántara García, Citlalit C. Espinosa Matus, Francisco J. Jiménez Sánchez, Adriana M. Ramírez Zenteno.

This scoping review, published by the Emergency Nutrition Network (ENN) & UNICEF with support from the Governments of Ireland and Norway, examines the nutrition needs of school-age children and adolescents (ages 5–19) in humanitarian contexts. It identifies critical gaps in data, guidance, and programming, and outlines a recommended minimum package of interventions including school meals, micronutrient supplementation, and nutrition education. Drawing on interviews with key agencies and six case studies—from Bangladesh, Latin America, Gaza, Ukraine, Cameroon, and the Philippines—the report offers actionable recommendations for governments and partners to better support nutrition in emergencies.

This report presents a cost-benefit analysis of Burundi’s National School Feeding Programme (PNAS), quantifying its multi-sectoral impact. Recipients are shown to complete an average of 1.8 more years of schooling and have improved health outcomes, including reduced anaemia and 55 additional healthy life years per 1,000 students. The study also estimates a strong financial return: for every 1 Fbu invested, 6 Fbu in long-term benefits are generated.

This case study examines Morocco's school feeding programs, detailing their historical context, objectives, coverage, targeting strategies, nutritional standards, food procurement processes, legal frameworks, implementation costs, funding mechanisms, monitoring and evaluation practices, lessons learned, best practices, and challenges. ​

This report updates estimates on the number of vulnerable children in low- and middle-income countries needing school meals, highlighting an increase to 101 million post-COVID. It identifies priority populations based on school feeding coverage, malnutrition, and poverty, with a strong focus on India and Sub-Saharan Africa.