UNESCO releases “Education and Nutrition – Learn to Eat Well” Report

UNESCO has released its latest report titled "Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well", highlighting the critical link between education and nutrition.

1. Purpose of the Report: 

 • Advocates for integrating nutrition education into school curricula to promote lifelong healthy eating habits. 

 • Emphasizes the importance of providing nutritious school meals to enhance children's health and learning outcomes.

2. Key Findings:

 • Nearly 47% of primary school pupils worldwide now have access to school meals, but only 93 out of 187 countries have standards for school food and beverages.

• 27% of school meal programs globally lack consultation with nutritionists, raising concerns about meal quality. 

 • School meals improve enrollment rates by 9% and attendance by 8%, while enhancing learning outcomes.

3. Challenges:

 • Rising rates of obesity among school-age children and increasing food insecurity globally. • Lack of monitoring and standards for the nutritional content of school meals.

4. Positive Initiatives: 

 • Brazil: Restrictions on ultra-processed foods in school meals. • China: Introduction of vegetables, milk, and eggs in rural schools to boost nutrient intake.

• India: 

Use of fortified organic pearl millet in Maharashtra to improve adolescents' attention span and memory.

5. Recommendations: 

 • Promote locally produced, fresh school meals and reduce sugary and ultra-processed foods. • Incorporate food literacy and nutrition education into formal and informal learning.