Publications and resources

This article proposes a comprehensive value-for-money framework for investments in school systems, highlighting the multisectoral returns—such as improvements in education, health, nutrition, and social protection—that emerge from implementing school-based programmes. It emphasizes the benefits of harmonizing interventions across sectors using schools as a common delivery platform.

This case study outlines Ethiopia’s school meals program, including government-led initiatives and development partner involvement. It highlights the integration of Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) to support local agriculture and combat malnutrition. The program focuses on food security, increasing school attendance, and promoting educational outcomes in food-insecure regions.

Memirie ST. School Meals Case Study: Ethiopia. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; December 2023.

This case study explores the evolution of school meal policies across the four devolved nations of the UK. It examines different approaches to free school meals (FSM) and universal infant free school meals (UIFSM), highlighting key differences in eligibility criteria, nutritional standards, and uptake rates. The study emphasizes the multi-sectoral benefits of school meal programs, including their role in improving food security, nutrition, and educational outcomes.

This statement summarizes the outcomes of the first School Meals Coalition Global Summit held in Paris on October 18-19, 2023. The summit highlighted the Coalition's growth, emphasizing school meal programs as pivotal for education, health, social protection, and food system transformation. Key achievements include increased global investment in school meals and commitments to expand and enhance these programs worldwide.

This report summarizes key outcomes from the School Meals Coalition Global Summit in Paris (2023), where countries and partners reaffirmed commitments to expanding school meal programmes. It highlights progress, new country pledges, financing strategies, and the role of school meals in education, nutrition, food systems, and climate action.

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.

This case study highlights Japan’s school meal program, including its rich history and the role of food and nutrition education (Shokuiku) in school curriculums. It explores the use of local and organic products in meals and how school lunches are utilized as educational tools to teach children about nutrition, culture, and environmental sustainability.

Health Education and Shokuiku Division, MAFF. School Meals Case Study: Japan. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; September 2023.

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.