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Supporting Vulnerable Children Through Healthy and Sustainable School Meals: European and US Policy Experiences
13 Pages Posted: 25 Sep 2024
More...Abstract
Background: Child poverty is a growing and very worrying reality in high-income countries and cities. School meal policies can support vulnerable children by reducing food insecurity, reducing stigma, increasing school attendance, and promoting sustainable food systems. This study analyzed school meal policies in Vienna, Copenhagen, Madrid, and New York City (NYC) designed to improve nutrition, sustainability, and accessibility for vulnerable children. This policy analysis is part of the special issue on planet-friendly school meals.
Methods: We used comparable childhood poverty data to describe its magnitude. We reviewed school meal actions implemented over the past decade using national and local sources. The authors have been involved in a cross-national school food policy research study and have been involved in urban food policy development.
Findings: Childhood poverty rates in 2023 in Vienna, Copenhagen, Madrid, and NYC in 2022 were 17,7%, 17,9%, 34,5 and 23%, respectively. Nutritional dimensions of school food remained central, focusing on the EAT model, healthy cooking techniques, and obesity prevention. Climate change mitigation goals were reflected in sustainable food procurement, plant-forward menus, and waste reduction policies. Despite policies to improve access to school meals, including universal free school lunch in NYC, access gaps persist among the most vulnerable children.
Interpretation: Multidimensional school meal policies can improve nutrition and sustainability while reaching vulnerable children through. As cities face childhood poverty, migration, food insecurity, and climate change, school meal programs remain crucial for addressing health, environmental resilience, and social justice.
Funding: School Food 4 Change is a Horizon 2020 Project ID:101036763.
Declaration of Interest: We declare no competing interests.
Keywords: school meals, childhood obesity, food policy, food insecurity, childhood poverty, stigma, food systems sustainability
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation