Publications and resources

This case study examines the development and implementation of school meal programs in England, emphasizing the role of Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) and benefits-related free school meals. It highlights key challenges such as food insecurity, rising costs, and the importance of nutritional standards in combating childhood obesity and supporting low-income families.

Bremner M, Defeyter G. School Meals Case Study: England. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; November 2022.

This working paper examines Scotland’s school meals program, highlighting free meal entitlement for early years and primary students, nutritional standards, and local food procurement. It discusses universal free school meals, government policy, and challenges like rising costs and supply chain issues.

Brennan M, Jones J, McKendrick JH. School Meals Case Study: Scotland. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; 2022.

This working paper provides an in-depth analysis of Wales' school meals program. It explores the design, implementation, and financing of school meal initiatives, including the transition to universal free school meals in primary schools. The study highlights the role of school meals in addressing food insecurity and promoting local food systems through public procurement.

Brophy S, Woolley K. School Meals Case Study: Wales. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; 2022.

This working paper details Northern Ireland’s school meals program, focusing on nutritional standards, free school meal entitlements, and the integration of health and sustainability in school food policies. It also discusses challenges such as food costs, procurement, and free school meals uptake.

Furey S, Woodside J. School Meals Case Study: Northern Ireland. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; November 2022.

This paper explores the role schools can play in addressing adolescent malnutrition. It highlights how school health programs, particularly those focusing on nutrition, can combat malnutrition's effects on adolescent growth and development, ensuring healthier future generations and improved educational outcomes.

Baltag V, Sidaner E, Bundy D, Guthold R, Nwachukwu C, Engesveen K et al.

This paper discusses the importance of intersectoral collaboration between health and education to promote adolescent wellbeing. It presents cases from around the world, showing how health services in schools, such as school meals and vaccinations, can improve student outcomes, while also emphasizing the challenges of funding and implementing these integrated programs.

Gray N J, Desmond N A, Ganapathee D S, Beadle S, Bundy D A. Breaking down silos between health and education to improve adolescent wellbeing. BMJ, 2022.

This research explores the synergy between deworming and school meal programs in supporting the recovery of education and health post-COVID-19. It highlights how combining deworming with school meals addresses malnutrition and promotes student well-being. The study provides evidence from various global programs and stresses the importance of multisectoral collaborations in public health and education.

Karutu C, Schultz L, Waltz J, et al. A coordinated response to the needs of the learner: How deworming and school meals together will contribute to the global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Tropical Diseases; September 2022.

Memo #4 to inform the Global Education Forum April 2022 Case for Investment Paper.

The paper makes the case for investing in school meals and complementary health programs, emphasizing their importance in improving education outcomes, addressing child malnutrition, and building human capital in low- and lower-middle-income countries. It also explores various financing mechanisms to scale up these programs in light of fiscal constraints caused by global crises like COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine.

Prepared by two initiatives of the School Meals Coalition: the Research Consortium for School Health & Nutrition and the Sustainable Financing Initiative.