The World Health Organization (WHO) has released guidelines focusing on improving food environments in schools, recognizing that children spend a significant part of their day in educational settings. This makes schools essential for developing healthy dietary habits and addressing health disparities. Currently, many schools provide, sell, or promote foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, free sugars, and salt, which do not align with national dietary recommendations.
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The guideline offers evidence-based recommendations for member states to implement effective policies targeting three key areas: direct food provision in schools, establishing nutrition standards for foods and beverages available on school premises, and introducing nudging interventions to encourage healthier eating choices among students. The goal is to enhance the availability, purchase, and consumption of nutritious foods and beverages while decreasing the presence of unhealthy options.
Central to the guideline is the principle that all foods and beverages in schools should be safe, promote healthy eating, and align with both children's rights and national public health objectives.