Schools as a System to Improve Nutrition

Solving the burden of all forms of malnutrition is a global challenge. The world is not on track to eradicate hunger by 2030 or solve the triple burden of malnutrition. Meanwhile, COVID-19 has compounded access to a nutritious diet and increased food insecurity. Given new evidence and changing circumstances, nutritious school meals are more important than ever, and there is a need to reassess the role of the school environment in improving the health and nutritional status of children. This session focuses on the status of schools around the world and the role they play in improving nutrition in children - an essential driver toward the realization of basic human rights and a stimulant for community development and job creation. Thriving child nutrition systems can even influence agriculture production systems to deliver healthy and nutritious foods. School meals are an investment in the next generation, helping ensure every child has access to education, health and nutrition. Schools can also offer basic health services and address hygiene and sanitation, while supporting education and helping mainstream nutrition and promote lifelong healthy eating habits.

CPE Level: Level 2 (intermediate knowledge/experience)
CPEU: 1

Performance Indicators

• 12.1.1 Advocates for and promotes food and nutrition programs and resources to address issues of food insecurity, nutritional health and overall health and wellness.
• 13.2.1 Adheres to and communicates relevant regulations, dietary guidelines, and organizational policies in menu development and implementation.
• 3.1.3 Takes initiative to facilitate change.

Learning Objectives

• Identify four key benefits of school feeding programs.
• Explain two implications of war on school feeding
• List the four options of making school meals around the world more utritious

Moderator

• Dayle Hayes, MS, RD

Speakers

• Donna S. Martin, EdS, RDN, LD, SNS, FAND
• Gina Rico Méndez, PhD